Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

Most patients have a hard time understanding what posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion means. Breaking down and explaining the individual terms may help you understand:

• Posterior (back): The incision is made in the back of the neck.
• Cervical (neck): The treatment addresses problems arising in the cervical (neck) spine, i.e., the uppermost part of the spinal column comprising seven vertebrae.
• Laminectomy (lamina removal): The lamina is a thin structure at the roof of the spinal column at the back of the neck. During the treatment, the lamina is removed to access the spinal cord.
• Fusion (to join): Bone grafts and implants are used to fuse the upper and lower vertebrae, ensuring cervical spine stability. The implant materials provide temporary stability, and bone grafts provide long-term stability by encouraging bone growth.

Putting all these components together describes how posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion works. Dr. McHugh delivers general anesthesia and creates an incision in the back of the neck. He uses specialized tools to separate the muscles and soft tissues without cutting them. Next, he carefully removes the lamina, accessing the underlying spinal column and nerves. After accessing the spinal column, the surgeon places screws, rods, or implants to support the spine. Finally, bone grafting materials are implanted to encourage bone growth for long-term stability.

Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion is a spine surgery used to treat spinal problems leading to the compression of the neurologic structures in the neck, such as disc degeneration, disc herniation, spondylosis, or spinal stenosis. However, posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion isn’t suitable for all patients with cervical spinal problems.

Before recommending a minimally invasive surgery, Dr. McHugh tries treating your spinal problems with non-invasive methods, including medications, injections, and physical therapy. You qualify for posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion if the non-operative treatments fail, if your spinal problems worsen, or if you experience severe neurological symptoms, including numbness and loss of mobility.