Cervical Laminoplasty

A patient may be considered a candidate for cervical laminoplasty if they meet certain criteria, typically related to spinal cord compression in the neck. Ideal candidates often include those who:

• Have cervical spinal stenosis causing pressure on the spinal cord.

• Show symptoms of myelopathy, such as weakness, numbness, clumsiness, or difficulty with balance and coordination.

• Have multilevel spinal cord compression (more than one level affected).

• Prefer to preserve neck motion, since laminoplasty maintains more natural movement compared to fusion.

• Have adequate spinal alignment, usually a normal or mild curvature of the neck (patients with severe kyphosis may not be suitable).

Patients who do not have significant instability or severe deformity are generally better candidates for this procedure.

Not all patients are suitable candidates for a cervical laminoplasty. Dr. B will review your condition and perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you.

A cervical laminoplasty is a neck surgery that relieves pressure on the spinal cord while preserving most of the natural bone and motion. During the procedure, Dr. B makes a small incision in the back of the neck to access the affected vertebrae. The lamina, which is the bony “roof” over the spinal cord, is carefully opened on one side while leaving a hinge on the other, allowing it to swing open like a door. Small plates or other devices may be used to hold the lamina in its new position. Once the spinal cord has more space, the muscles and skin are closed, maintaining as much of the normal neck structure as possible.

The advantages of cervical laminoplasty compared to fusion:

• Preserves neck motion – Unlike fusion, laminoplasty keeps the vertebrae moving naturally, so patients maintain more flexibility in their neck.

• Potentially less risk of adjacent segment problems – Because the vertebrae aren’t fused, there’s less stress on the levels above and below the surgery.

• Lower risk of long-term stiffness – Preserving bone and motion reduces long-term neck stiffness compared to fusion.

• Potentially faster recovery – With less structural disruption, some patients may experience quicker functional improvement.

Please refer to our Patient Education Booklet for detailed information.