Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical Laminoplasty
A Cervical Laminoplasty is a non-fusion, decompression surgical procedure performed in the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. By expanding the spinal canal—which may be narrowed due to age-related changes or arthritis—this procedure effectively treats compression while preserving the natural motion of the spine.
When You Should Consider Cervical Laminoplasty
This surgery is primarily recommended for patients with multi-level compression of the spinal cord who maintain a healthy natural neck curvature. Key indications include:
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM): Inadequate spinal cord function due to bone spurs or degenerative changes.
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL): A condition where spinal ligaments harden into bone, pressing on the cord.
Congenital Narrowing: Being born with a naturally narrow spinal canal.
Fine Motor Skill Loss: Difficulty buttoning shirts, changes in handwriting, or loss of coordination.
Balance Issues: Noticeable gait disturbances or difficulty walking.
Methods of Cervical Laminoplasty
Open-Door Laminoplasty: The most common technique where one side of the lamina is hinged and the other is opened like a door.
French-Door Laminoplasty: A technique where the midline of the lamina is split and both sides are hinged to create an opening in the center.
Titanium Plate Fixation: Using tiny, specialized plates and screws to securely hold the "door" in its new, expanded position.
Bone Graft Wedging: Inserting small wedges of bone graft material to maintain the widened canal space during healing.
How Cervical Laminoplasty Is Performed
Surgical Access: A 3-to-4-inch incision is made in the back of the neck, and muscles are moved aside to expose the lamina (the back of the vertebrae).
Creating the Hinge: The surgeon carefully cuts a groove on one side of the lamina to act as a flexible hinge.
Opening the Canal: The opposite side of the lamina is cut through, allowing the bone to be "swung" outward, widening the canal by up to 30%.
Securing the Gap: Small titanium plates or bone wedges are placed in the gap to keep the canal permanently open.
Verification: Real-time imaging ensures the spinal cord is fully decompressed before the incision is closed.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Fasting: Patients are typically required to fast for 8–12 hours before the surgery.
Medical Clearances: Blood tests, ECG, and chest X-rays are conducted to assess overall surgical health.
Medication Review: Discussing current medications with the surgical team to manage blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Recovery Planning: Arranging for a support person to assist with home care during the initial weeks of recovery.
Tests Before Cervical Laminoplasty
MRI Scan: The gold standard for visualizing the extent of spinal cord compression and soft tissue health.
CT Scan: Provides a detailed view of bony changes, such as OPLL or bone spurs.
X-rays: Used to evaluate the natural curvature (lordosis) of the neck, which is a key factor for surgical success.
EMG/Nerve Conduction Study: To confirm the specific nerve levels affected and rule out other neurological conditions.
Life After Cervical Laminoplasty (Recovery)
Hospital Stay: Most patients remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days, with walking encouraged just hours after surgery.
Short-Term Recovery: A return to light activities or desk work is typically possible within 1 to 4 weeks.
Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities should be avoided for 6 to 12 weeks to allow for proper bone healing.
Long-Term Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is often initiated to rebuild neck muscle strength and maintain flexibility.
Benefits of Cervical Laminoplasty
Motion Preservation: Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure maintains the natural movement and flexibility of the neck.
Extensive Decompression: Effectively treats multiple levels of the spine through a single approach.
Reduced Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease: By avoiding fusion, it reduces the extra stress placed on the discs above and below the surgical site.
Improved Neurological Function: Offers significant relief from radiating pain and helps prevent the progression of spinal cord damage.