Laminectomy vs. Laminotomy: What’s the Difference

Laminotomy and laminectomy are types of surgeries to remove part or most of a spinal bone called the lamina. The lamina is the back part of each vertebra (spinal bone) and covers the spinal canal, the area around the spinal cord. Both procedures reduce pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves to relieve pain.

What’s the Difference?

The difference between these two different procedures is significant. A laminectomy refers to a surgical operation that totally removes the lamina. On the other hand, a laminotomy is simply the partial removal of the bone. Depending on the nature of your condition, your spine surgeon may choose one over the other to gain access to the affected area that is causing neck or back pain, as well as any other neurological symptoms.

Your doctor will have specific reasons for performing one of these procedures over the other. The main goal regardless of the procedure will be to create space around the spinal cord and surrounding nerves by removing structures that cause compression.

About the procedures

Both surgeries are performed using a posterior surgical approach, meaning that after you under anesthesia, you will be lying face down for the duration of the operation.

The surgeon will start by making an entry point incision near the affected area. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will then use a retractor to move the skin, fat, and muscles to the side. Doing so will allow your surgeon to avoid unnecessary damage to these structures during the procedure.

In a laminotomy, your doctor makes a hole in the lamina and removes a small piece of the bone. In a laminectomy, your doctor removes most of the bone. Some physicians favor laminotomy over laminectomy whenever possible because it requires  a smaller incision and is less damaging to muscles around the bone.

Each procedure allows your doctor to see irritated spinal nerves. The doctor can remove anything pressing on spinal nerves that’s causing arm or leg pain, such as bone spurs, herniated discs, tumors or overgrown ligaments. The procedures also may ease back or neck pain. 

Both procedures can be done anywhere on the spine and more than one vertebrae may be treated. The risk of complications is low, with patients typically being discharged a few hours after surgery to recover at home.

Is a Laminectomy or Laminotomy Right for Me?

Laminectomies and laminotomies are among the most common procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Both procedures are considered to be safe and effective.

Laminectomies, in particular, are considered one of the most effective treatments for spinal stenosis and spinal canal issues such as tumors, certain kinds of infections and abscesses, and spinal issues involving bowel or bladder dysfunction. A laminectomy may also be recommended to treat a herniated disc. Patients who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments may benefit from a laminectomy.

In general, the following conditions can also be treated with these procedures:

• Sciatica
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spondylosis
  

If you are suffering from debilitating back pain, a laminotomy or laminectomy may be your best path to living a more comfortable, pain-free life. For more information on these procedures, and to see if you are a candidate for surgery, contact the back pain specialty physicians at New Jersey Brain and Spine.