Similar to laminectomy, the Laminaplasty procedure involves an incision in the back of the neck and relief of pressure on the nerve roots of the spinal cord. However, instead of removal of the lamina, the procedure creates a “hinged door” by completely cutting one side of the tissue and making several small incisions on the other. Wedges are inserted to hold this tissue open, away from the nerve roots, thereby preventing the pain and progression of damage to the spinal cord. Laminaplasty also maintains the stabilizing function of the posterior elements of the vertebrae.

Cervical Laminaplasty