Posterior Decompression

At the Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, our specialty-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Warlick is highly skilled in performing open posterior decompression procedures, including laminotomy, foraminotomy, and laminectomy. The Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery has been performing spinal decompression for more than three decades. That means your spine surgery will be performed by a team whose experience and skill-set is virtually unmatched in Marquette, the surrounding Upper Peninsula, and throughout Northern Michigan.

Laminotomy

In the laminotomy procedure, the spine surgeon creates a small incision along the middle of the back or neck. Once the muscles and connective tissue are retracted to reach the bone, the surgeon removes a small portion of bone and ligament from the back of the spinal canal (also known as a lamina), creating a window over the pinched nerve, and allowing more room to be available for the nerve as it travels through the spine. For many patients, this can help improve pain, numbness, and tingling along a nerve into the arm or leg. Early ambulation is encouraged immediately following the procedure. This is typically an outpatient procedure, with patients often going home the same day as surgery.

Foraminotomy

In the foraminotomy procedure, the spine surgeon creates a small incision along the middle of the back or neck. Once the muscles and connective tissue are retracted to reach the bone, the surgeon removes a small portion of bone and ligament from the back of the intervertebral foramen, which is the space between the spine bones where nerves exit the spine. This takes the pressure off of a pinched nerve, and allows more room to be available for the nerve as it leaves the spine. For many patients, this can help improve pain, numbness, and tingling along a nerve into the arm or leg. Early ambulation is encouraged immediately following the procedure. This is typically an outpatient procedure, with patients often going home the same day as surgery.

Laminectomy

In the laminectomy procedure, the spine surgeon creates a small incision along the middle of the back or neck. Once the muscles and connective tissue are retracted to reach the bone, the surgeon opens the spinal canal by removing a portion of bone and ligament from the back of the spinal canal (also known as a lamina). By unroofing the spinal canal, a “skylight” is created, allowing more room for the nerves to travel through the spine. This may be completed at one or more areas of the spine. For many patients, this can help improve the ability to stand and walk distances, and may also relieve pain, numbness, and tingling along a nerve into the arm or leg. Early ambulation is encouraged immediately following the procedure. This may be performed as an outpatient procedure, with patients often going home the same day as surgery.

To learn more about what to expect when you undergo posterior spinal decompression procedures, please visit our surgery prep and recovery page and interactive videos.

Specialty Reference:

Spine