Laminectomy Surgery Guide

What Is Laminectomy?

Laminectomy removes part of the vertebral bone (lamina) and thickened ligaments to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. It is the primary surgical treatment for spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes leg pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects people over 60.

Types

Open Laminectomy: Traditional approach with full removal of the lamina. Gold standard for severe stenosis.

Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: Smaller incision, tubular retractors, less muscle damage. Faster recovery but may not address as much compression.

Laminectomy with Fusion: When stenosis coexists with instability or significant deformity, fusion is added for stability.

Recovery

Standalone laminectomy has a relatively quick recovery: walking same day, home in 1-2 days, driving in 2-3 weeks, most activities in 4-6 weeks. When combined with fusion, recovery is longer (3-6 months).

Frequently Asked Questions