Cervical Laminoplasty

When spinal stenosis in your neck causes arm weakness, difficulty walking, or problems with fine motor skills, such as buttoning shirts, cervical laminoplasty may restore your function and relieve your symptoms. The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint perform this specialized procedure to decompress your spinal cord while preserving spinal stability. If cervical spinal stenosis is affecting your daily life, call the nearest office in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, or Lutz, Florida, or schedule your consultation online today.

What is cervical laminoplasty?

Cervical laminoplasty is a surgical procedure that creates more space for your spinal cord in the neck region. The lamina is the back part of each vertebra that forms the roof over your spinal cord. 

Unlike a laminectomy that removes bone, laminoplasty preserves most of your bone structure. Your surgeon cuts through the lamina on one side and creates a controlled fracture on the other side to form a hinge. 

Minor bone grafts or titanium plates hold this newly created opening in place, giving your spinal cord the room it needs while keeping your spine stable.

Who benefits from cervical laminoplasty? 

This procedure can help if you have spinal stenosis in your neck that’s putting pressure on your spinal cord. You might be a candidate if you experience:

• Weakness or clumsiness in your hands and arms
• Difficulty with balance or coordination when walking
• Numbness or tingling that radiates into your arms
• Problems with fine motor skills, such as writing or using utensils
• Neck pain that may worsen with movement

Your provider typically recommends laminoplasty when conservative treatments haven’t helped and your symptoms are getting in the way of your daily routine.

What happens during cervical laminoplasty? 

Your surgeon performs this procedure under general anesthesia, and it usually takes a few hours, depending on how many levels need treatment. Working through an incision in the back of your neck, your surgeon carefully creates the opening in each affected vertebra by cutting and lifting the lamina. 

Minor bone grafts or titanium plates hold the lifted bone in place, ensuring your spinal cord has enough room.

What is recovery like after cervical laminoplasty? 

You may stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring and need a neck brace for several weeks to support healing. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this time. 

You can expect some soreness around the injection site for a day or two, and you may even notice your pain worsens briefly before improving. Many patients see improvement within a few weeks, though full recovery can take several months. 

If cervical spinal stenosis is limiting your mobility and hand function, cervical laminoplasty at Anchor Spine & Joint may help you regain your independence. Contact the nearest office today or book your consultation online to consider this treatment option.