Lumbar Laminectomy
Open Decompression
Similar to a microdecompression, an open decompression (lumbar laminectomy) is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve. This procedure is designed to remove a small portion of the bone next to the nerve root to give the nerve root more space and a better chance to heal.
This type of surgery is effective in decreasing pain and improving function for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Open decompression differs from a microdecompression in that the incision is longer and there is more muscle stripping. This can lead to future instability of the spine if stabilization or fusion is not performed. During the procedure the back is approached through a two-inch to five-inch long incision in the midline of the back. The left and right back muscles (erectoer spinae) are stripped off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels. At this point, the lamina is removed (laminectomy) which allows visualization of the nerve roots. The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may then be trimmed to give the nerve roots more room.