Creating Additional Space

The purpose of this form of surgery is quite simple: by opening up more room for the vertebrae pressure is taken off the affected nerve(s). Most often this is done for patients with spinal stenosis. In this condition the spinal canal has become too narrow, with the result being a lack of suitable space for the spinal cord and nerves that causes pain in the back and weakness of the legs.

In order to provide more space a laminectomy is performed. This involves removing portions of the laminae, the bones on the back of the vertebrae.