What Occurs during Posterior Cervical Laminectomy?
The general procedure for a cervical laminectomy includes the following: • Surgical approach. • The skin incision is in the midline of the back of the neck and is about 3 to 4 inches long. • The para-spinal muscles are then elevated from multiple levels. • Removal of the lamina. • A high speed burr can be used to make a trough in the lamina on both sides right before it joins the facet joint. • The lamina with the spinous process can then be removed as one piece (like a lobster tail). • Removal of the lamina and spinous process allows the spinal cord to float backwards and gives it more room.
