Spine

Key Points

  • Cervical laminoplasty is a surgical procedure where the lamina is hinged in an open position.
  • This removal can reduce compression on the spinal nerves and nerve roots.
  • Cervical laminoplasty is mainly used to treat spinal stenosis of the cervical spine (neck).

Explore Riverside’s Spine Program

Overview

A cervical laminoplasty addresses the lamina, which is the bony roof of the spinal canal, but it isn’t removed. Instead, it is hinged and secured in an open position, like an open door, so the area no longer compresses and irritates the nerve.   This avoids a fusion and leaves the cervical canal widened in cases of cervical stenosis or canal narrowing.  

During a cervical laminotomy, the surgical site is accessed from the back of the neck.   

What it Treats

Cervical fusion is mainly a surgical treatment spinal stenosis of the cervical spine (neck).

Anatomy of the Spine

Explore an interactive model of the spine.

Spine Procedures and Treatments

Learn about different spine conditions  

What Matters

Learn the important questions to ask when selecting a spine surgeon.