Are there different types of spinal decompression surgery?
Your doctor may suggest one or more types of back surgeries to relieve the pressure in your spine. In addition, you may need spinal fusion to stabilize your spine. The following are common types of back surgery: • Diskectomy: In this procedure, a portion of the disk is removed to relieve pressure on nerves. • Laminotomy or laminectomy: A surgeon removes a small portion of bone — a section of bony arch or the entire bony arch — to increase the size of the spinal canal and relieve pressure. • Foraminotomy or foraminectomy: A surgeon removes bone and other tissue to expand the openings for nerve roots. • Osteophyte removal: During the surgery, bony growths are removed. • Corpectomy: This procedure involves removing the body of a vertebra and disk.