Posterior cervical laminoplasty 

Posterior cervical laminoplasty is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord from the back of the neck while preserving motion. It is commonly used for multilevel spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy).

Quick Facts:

  • Performed through the back of the neck
  • Relieves pressure on the spinal cord
  • Preserves motion in the spine
  • Commonly used for multilevel disease

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WHAT IS POSTERIOR CERVICAL LAMINOPLASTY?

Removing pressure from the spinal cord while maintaining motion:

Decompression

  • Creating a hinge in the lamina (posterior covering of the spine)
  • Opening one side partially to increase space for the spinal cord

Instrumentation

  • Small plates with screws placed
  • Holds the door open, maintaining the decompression

👉 The goal is to relieve spinal cord compression and preserves motion

WHAT CONDITIONS DOES IT TREAT?

This procedure is commonly used for:

  • Cervical myelopathy
  • Multilevel spinal stenosis
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Degenerative changes affecting multiple levels
  • OPLL (in selected cases)

👉 It is especially useful when compression spans multiple levels

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY REQUIRE THIS SURGERY

Common Symptoms

  • Difficulty walking
  • Balance problems
  • Hand clumsiness
  • Weakness

Additional Symptoms

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Neck pain

🚨 When Surgery May Be More Urgent

  • Progressive myelopathy
  • Worsening gait or coordination
  • Declining hand function

👉 These are signs of spinal cord compression requiring prompt evaluation

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. Anesthesia
    • Performed under general anesthesia
  2. Posterior Approach
    • Incision in the back of the neck
  3. Laminotomy
    • The lamina is cut through on one side
    • The lamina is only partially cut through on the other side
    • The spine is opened partially like a hinged door
  4. Instrumentation
    • Plates are placed to keep the door open
    • The plates are secured with screws

👉 This procedure is ideal for patients with good spinal alignment, spinal stability, and limited neck pain

OUR APPROACH

We focus on appropriate use of posterior decompression with stabilization.

  • We carefully evaluate when laminoplasty is possible
  • The number of levels treated is tailored to the patient
  • We prioritize safe spinal cord decompression
  • Alignment, stability, and symptoms are key

👉 This is a preferred surgery for our practice when indicated

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before Surgery

  • MRI and alignment imaging
  • Evaluation of spinal cord compression
  • Surgical planning

Day of Surgery

  • Performed under general anesthesia
  • Procedure length depends on levels treated

After Surgery

  • Hospital stay is common
  • Gradual improvement in neurologic symptoms
  • Recovery over weeks to months

OUTCOMES & RISKS

Potential Benefits

  • Relief of spinal cord compression
  • Improved walking and coordination
  • Prevention of neurologic decline
  • Preservation of cervical motion

Risks

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Neck pain
  • Spinal instability / deformity
  • Nerve or spinal cord injury
  • Hardware-related complications

👉 Outcomes depend on severity of myelopathy and timing of surgery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this surgery painful?
It can be, significant muscle dissection is required, symptoms generally improve over 2-6 weeks.

Will I lose motion in my neck?
Not typically. One of the benefits of this surgery is motion preservation.

How does this compare to fusion?
Laminoplasty preserves motion, while laminectomy with fusion provides more stability.

Is my risk of adjacent segment disease lower?
We believe so, since we are preserving normal spinal motion

FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS

  • Refer patients with:
    • Cervical myelopathy
    • Multilevel stenosis
    • Progressive neurologic symptoms
    • 2nd opinion for patients that have been offered a fusion who are interested in motion preservation
  • Imaging:
    • MRI cervical spine
    • X-rays for alignment
    • CT if needed for bony detail
  • Urgent referral for:
    • Progressive neurologic decline
    • Gait instability

RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES

NEXT STEPS…

👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient