Cervical laminectomy is one of two treatments for cervical myelopathy. It removes the back of the spinal canal to create space for the injured spinal cord. The alternative, ACDF, removes tissue from the front of the canal.
The spine is like a skyscraper with 31 levels, and the spinal canal is the elevator shaft running from your head to your tailbone. The spinal cord lies within this canal. Arthritic tissue can narrow the spinal canal, and in the neck, this leads to cervical myelopathy, a serious condition that squashes and injures the spinal cord.
Modern technology has made this a safe and effective operation. However, the most important thing to remember is surgery doesn’t make you better, it stops you from getting worse.
Surgery cannot repair the injured spinal cord, only relieve the pressure so it can attempt to repair itself. However, many patients do report an improvement. Without surgery, the patient will continue to deteriorate.
With all this in mind, the risks I will discuss with you are:
These include blood clots, infections, and rare issues like skin injuries or heart problems, which are generally well-managed with modern anaesthetic care.
Infections are very rare due to modern practices including:
Fortunately very rare due to modern surgical techniques.
Rarely causes a problem.
Unfortunately, many cervical myelopathy symptoms result from permanent spinal cord damage, so a full return to normal is unlikely.
The focus of surgery is purely on preventing you from getting worse. This is critical. A full-blown condition can mean life in a wheelchair and surgery can potentially stop this.
Surgery is the only recommended treatment for cervical myelopathy. After I see you, it will become clear whether cervical laminectomy or ACDF is the better option.
To get the best result you need to commit to a full recovery period. But this does not mean you will be just resting during the recovery.
Check out our spinal fusion page for a full description of the procedure. I will also describe it in detail for you when I see you.
During cervical laminectomy surgery, you will be under general anaesthesia.
You will receive a general anaesthetic and lie face down on the operating table, with an incision made in your lower back near the midline. During this procedure, the spine is approached slightly from the side instead of directly from the back, designed to improve recovery times.
The surgeon will use computer-guided navigation, similar to GPS, to safely insert screws into the correct part of your spinal bones. The screws, usually 3-5 cm long and 6-7 mm wide, fit snugly into the bone, providing strong support.
Next, the surgeon approaches the disc space, partially removes its contents, and places a permanent spacer in the empty space. The screws are then connected to rods, locking everything in place.
Yes, cervical myelopathy is a serious and relatively common condition that spine surgeons routinely treat.
There are generally minimal long-term side effects, though mild neck stiffness may occur but is rarely an issue.
It is not advisable. Without surgery, there is a risk of worsening neurological function, potentially leading to a wheelchair. Prompt surgery is highly recommended.
If you have been diagnosed with this and want to discuss this further, please contact my team to book an urgent appointment.
Some muscle soreness is expected post-surgery, but modern pain relief ensures a comfortable recovery.
What will the scar look like? The scar usually heals well and results in a good cosmetic outcome.
No, all stitches are dissolvable.
Typically, you’ll stay for 24 to 72 hours.
Usually, a minimum of 2 weeks is recommended to regain confidence and comfort.
Yes, physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery, reducing muscle soreness and stiffness while addressing any arm and leg issues caused by the original spinal cord injury.
