Laminectomy

Laminectomy, which is sometimes also called lumbar decompression, opens the bony tunnels through which the spinal cord and nerves pass. This relieves pain, tingling, numbness or weakening caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

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In a vertebra, the lamina covers the back part of the spinal canal. Removing all or part of it creates more room and relieves pressure caused by conditions such as bone spurs, ligament overgrowth or disc herniation.

Bone spurs in the spinal canal can result from osteoarthritis in the spine.

Significant pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg or foot that is worse than pain in the back is a common complaint of patients who may be considered for a laminectomy. Physical therapy and medication are the first treatments before surgery is considered.

Sometimes medical imaging reveals a structural issue in the spine that could require surgery.

Specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine bring decades of experience, specialized training and worldwide reputation for providing excellent care to laminectomy procedures. The combined team of orthopedic spine and neuroscience specialists at Norton Leatherman spine provides comprehensive care.

Your physician will recommend physical therapy that will aid your recovery. Pain may be relieved immediately after laminectomy or take several months as the body and nerve root heal.

About Norton Leatherman Spine

Norton Leatherman Spine is a combined team of orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists who provide care for adults and children from Louisville and Southern Indiana, as well as from across the region, nation and world.

  • A multidisciplinary team of 45 specialists offers a comprehensive array of treatment options that include medication, pain management, rehabilitation and surgery, including minimally invasive procedures and neurosurgical therapies.
  • Norton Leatherman Spine physicians are widely renowned and exceptionally experienced, performing more than 4,000 surgeries a year.
  • Our specialists are internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, and have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
  • Norton Healthcare is the first health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV.
  • We use the EOS Imaging system, which collects high-resolution images while exposing the patient to 50% to 85% less radiation than traditional X-rays and 95% less than basic CT scans. The system is especially beneficial to scoliosis patients who often need repeated imaging to monitor their progress.
  • We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans.
  • Use Norton MyChart to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions, get alerted if an earlier appointment becomes available and more, anytime from a mobile device or computer

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