Phoenix Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery

During a lumbar laminectomy procedure, a spinal surgeon removes a section of vertebral bone to remove pressure on your spinal nerves. The procedure is often performed on patients with a history of spinal stenosis or who show signs of narrowing within the spinal canal.

SPINAL STENOSIS CAN OFTEN BE MANAGED CONSERVATIVELY WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OTHER NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS. HOWEVER, WHEN THESE TREATMENTS FAIL AND YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE SIGNIFICANT, DR. BAIG MAY RECOMMEND A FORM OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION SURGERY CALLED A LAMINECTOMY. DR. BAIG WILL ONLY RECOMMEND LUMBAR LAMINECTOMY SURGERY IF IT IS THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU – BOOK A CONSULTATION TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP.

When is it time for a laminectomy procedure?

Most laminectomies are performed to treat spinal stenosis. While some people are born with narrow spinal canals, the most common causes of spinal stenosis include herniated discs and osteoarthritis.

If a spinal disc herniates, some fluid can leak into the spinal canal and put pressure on the nearby nerves. The symptoms of a herniated disc include neurological symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. You might also have back or neck pain.

As we age, osteoarthritis can develop in the spine, resulting in bone spurs (osteophytes). Eventually, these bony protrusions may compress nerves in the spinal canal resulting in pain and other neurological symptoms that radiate into the extremities. This occurs most commonly in the lumbar (lower) spine.

For many people, spinal stenosis can be successfully managed without surgery. However, in severe cases, Dr. Baig may feel that a lumbar laminectomy is the best treatment option.

A laminectomy may be indicated when:

physical therapy, medication, chiropractic adjustments and epidural injections are no longer enough to manage spinal stenosis symptoms
muscle numbness and/or weakness in the legs stops you from being able to stand or walk
muscle numbness and/or weakness in the legs stops you from being able to stand or walk
nerve compression in the spine begins to affect bowel or bladder function
surgery for a herniated disc requires the lamina to be removed as well

DR. BAIG WILL ONLY PERFORM LAMINECTOMY SURGERY IF HE IS CERTAIN IT WILL HELP RELIEVE YOUR SYMPTOMS AND RESTORE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. NOT ALL PATIENTS WITH SPINAL STENOSIS ARE SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR LAMINECTOMY SURGERY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LUMBAR LAMINECTOMY SURGERY IN PHOENIX, CONTACT OUR OFFICE.

What happens during a laminectomy procedure?

You will be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure. Dr. Baig will make an incision in your back over the appropriate vertebra. Muscles are moved aside to access the vertebra, and the lamina is surgically removed. Dr. Baig is skilled in both traditional laminectomy and minimally invasive laminectomy. If disc damage is contributing to your symptoms, Dr. Baig may perform a discectomy at the same time. Before the surgery, Dr. Baig will discuss the procedure fully and answer any questions you may have about what’s involved.

What happens after a laminectomy?

Some healthy patients go home a few hours after laminectomy surgery. If you have other health conditions, a short hospital stay may be required. Most people can return to work or normal daily activities within a few weeks. Dr. Baig will likely recommend physical therapy as a follow up to your surgery to help restore movement and mobility to your spinal structures and the surrounding musculature. Physiotherapy can also help with neurological symptoms.

MOST PEOPLE REPORT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OF PAIN RADIATING INTO THE ARMS OR LEGS AFTER LAMINECTOMY SURGERY. SYMPTOMS CAN RETURN, HOWEVER, IF OSTEOARTHRITIS CONTINUES TO CAUSE DEGENERATION IN OTHER AREAS OF THE SPINE.