When non-operative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis has failed a laminectomy is typically performed. Spinal stenosis often affects the elderly and is caused by degenerative changes that result in encroachment of neural elements and pinched nerves. The pressure on the nerves is usually caused by overgrown facet joints, ligaments, and bulging discs. This pressure may be effectively relieved with the laminectomy.

A lumbar laminectomy is also known as an open decompression that is carried out through an open incision. A laminectomy is designed to surgically remove surgically remove  encroaching tissues over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root to give the nerve root more space to reduce pain.

MRI scan showing severe central and foraminal spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine: Saggital View on the left, axial view on the right.

Surgeons at the Center for Advanced Spine Care of Southern Arizona typically perform this operation through a midline incision in the lower back. Often patients are able to go home after an overnight stay. Sometimes, patients need to stay longer for pain control and observation. We typically employ a pain pump for postoperative pain control that you may take home. Please check out our postop instructions for lumbar spinal surgery.

Please call us for an appointment if you are having unrelenting back and leg painwith ambulation that has not improved with physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medication, spinal injections, and watchful waiting. We would be glad to render an opinion as to whether a lumbar laminectomy could reduce your symptoms and improve your function.

PLEASE CONTACT US AT:

Center for Advanced Spine Care of Southern Arizona, 4787 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson AZ 85712

Re: Lumbar Laminectomy

Phone: 520-204-1495, Fax: 623-218-1215

Email us: info@tucsonspineforms.com