What is a Laminectomy and Why Might I Need One?

As the world’s leading cause of disability, low back pain (or pain in the lumbar spine) can be more debilitating than many people realize. You might struggle with physical limitations because of low back pain, like the inability to bend down and pick something up, or it might inhibit your sleep. 

In any case, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin M. Koutsky, MD, can evaluate your low back pain and identify the cause. He provides personalized care at DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics in Hinsdale, Illinois, where you can receive top-of-the-line care for musculoskeletal conditions like spinal arthritis and herniated discs. 

More conservative treatments like physical therapy or corticosteroid injections can often alleviate low back pain, but when symptoms persist, Dr. Koutsky can perform orthopedic surgery. Laminectomy is a standout option as he can perform the surgery using minimally invasive techniques. 

How laminectomy can help

Laminectomy is a surgery that removes the back portion of a vertebra (spinal bone), called the lamina. The goal is to widen the spinal canal in a given area to alleviate nerve compression and resulting pain. 

While performing a laminectomy, Dr. Koutsky removes the smallest amount of bone possible to achieve the desired result. With a minimally invasive approach, he can do this using tiny incisions that heal more quickly than wider incisions in open surgeries. 

Depending on your reason for needing laminectomy, Dr. Koutsky might combine the procedure with other techniques. He might perform a discectomy for a herniated disc, for example, or a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. 

Laminectomy primarily alleviates symptoms associated with spinal narrowing in the lower back such as leg numbness, weakness, and bladder or bowel problems. However, you might experience some relief from low back pain too. 

Why laminectomy?

Laminectomy isn’t the right surgery for all low back pain, but it’s an effective option for many. Dr. Koutsky determines your need for laminectomy based on the cause of your back pain and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of other treatments. 

Typically, laminectomy treats back pain when it comes from bony overgrowths in the spine. These overgrowths narrow the spinal canal, which can place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing is called spinal stenosis. Pain, weakness, or numbness can occur as a result, especially in your legs if the nerve compression originates in the lumbar spine. 

You might be a candidate for laminectomy if you experience changes in the spine due to spinal arthritis or spondylosis. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons use laminectomy to access a damaged or herniated disc. 

Preparing for laminectomy

Dr. Koutsky gives you detailed instructions on how to best prepare for your upcoming laminectomy. To ensure you’re ready on surgery day, you may be advised to:

• Avoid eating and drinking after midnight the night before
• Arrive in loose clothing
• Arrange for a ride home from surgery
• Avoid wearing jewelry
• Prepare your home for the recovery period

After laminectomy, be prepared to engage in physical therapy. Physical therapy helps ensure a complete recovery. Dr. Koutsky might also recommend taking it easy for a few weeks following surgery by avoiding work and strenuous activities. 

Get in touch to learn more

DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics is a leading practice for orthopaedic treatment in Hinsdale, Illinois. To find out if you can benefit from laminectomy, call our office or request an appointment online today.