What is a laminoplasty?
Laminoplasty is a motion-sparing surgery where the lamina (roof of the spine) is hinged open like a door to create more space for the spinal cord, relieving compression without fusing the bones.
Treatment/Treatment Details
Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery
Posterior cervical laminoplasty expands the spinal canal by hinging open the lamina to decompress the spinal cord without fusion.
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Spinal Cord Decompression Without Fusion
Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty is a specialized surgical technique designed to treat Cervical Spinal Stenosis and myelopathy (spinal cord compression) involving multiple levels of the neck. Unlike a laminectomy alone or a fusion, laminoplasty reconstructs the spinal canal to make it larger. The surgeon creates a hinge on the lamina (the roof of the spine) and opens it like a door, securing it in an open position with small plates. This gives the spinal cord immediate room to float freely while preserving the natural motion of the neck.
Explore Neck Conditions & Treatments
View all neck conditions and treatment options →Ideal Candidates for Laminoplasty
- Patients with multilevel spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
- Individuals with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL)
- Patients who wish to preserve neck range of motion
- Those with congenital stenosis (born with a narrow spinal canal)
- Patients without severe kyphosis (forward curvature) or neck instability
What Conditions does Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery Help Ease?
This procedure may help with:
The Laminoplasty Technique
- An incision is made on the back of the neck
- The surgeon carefully cuts the lamina bone on one side completely (the opening side)
- On the other side, a groove is cut to create a flexible hinge
- The lamina is gently swung open like a door, expanding the spinal canal
- Small titanium mini-plates or bone spacers are screwed in to hold the door open
- The soft tissues serve as a protective cover over the expanded canal
Benefits of Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery
- Preserves neck motion (rotation and extension)
- Avoids the complications associated with bone fusion
- Effectively decompresses the spinal cord over multiple levels
- Reduces the risk of Adjacent Segment Disease
- Stops the progression of myelopathy symptoms (hand clumsiness, balance issues)
Recovery Advantages
Recovery Timeline: 6-12 Weeks
Because there is no bone fusion, recovery is often faster than fusion surgery. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. A soft collar may be worn for comfort for a few weeks. Physical Therapy focuses on neck strengthening and range of motion. Since the spine is not fused, patients typically retain much of their pre-op neck flexibility.
Related Neck Treatments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is laminoplasty better than laminectomy?
For many patients, yes. Unlike laminectomy (which removes bone), laminoplasty preserves the bone and natural posterior tension band, reducing the risk of post-surgical instability and deformity.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks. Patients wear a soft collar for comfort for a few weeks. Range of motion exercises begin early to maintain the preserved neck flexibility.
Who is a candidate?
Candidates are patients with cervical myelopathy involving 3 or more levels who do not have significant neck pain or kyphosis (forward curvature).
Schedule a Consultation Today
Neck pain, arm pain, or neurological symptoms from spinal cord compression affecting daily life? Start your recovery with expert orthopedic care. Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics.
Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer posterior cervical laminoplasty surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
