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.

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 from Norton Neuroscience Institute 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.

  • The multidisciplinary team incorporates expertise from a variety of specialties to offer a comprehensive array of treatment options that include minimally invasive and nonsurgical therapies.
  • Our team approach to the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of spine conditions works cooperatively with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop a treatment plan as unique as each individual.
  • Because you may not need surgery, you may work with our pain management team, physical therapy specialists and others who can create a care plan with the right types of treatments for you.
  • If you need surgery, you’re in experienced hands. Norton Leatherman Spine physicians perform more than 4,000 surgeries a year.
  • Our team has more than 45 specialists at nearly 20 offices across Louisville and Southern Indiana. Many offer same-day appointments and Saturday hours, with no referral needed
  • 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 offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that carry less risk and can speed your recovery.
  • 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.
  • Use MyNortonChart to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more, anytime from a mobile device or computer

Related Stories

Minimally invasive spine surgery sets woman on path to healthy living, starting a family
After looking in Boston, woman finds back pain relief in Louisville
Bodybuilding chiropractor back to training after successful spinal surgery
A lifetime of scoliosis won’t stop this woman from hiking trails around the world

Schedule an Appointment

Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.