Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures
Decompression
Overview
Decompression is simply to remove pressure. If a nerve or nerves are under pressure you may have a condition of a disc herniation or spinal stenosis. When we decompress, we remove bone or soft tissue that may be pressing on the nerves. Laminectomy is removal of bone, discectomy is removal of disc and flavectomy is removal of ligamentum flavum. Partial removal of lamina (laminoplasty) is often possible which will maintain spinal stability and limit your need for a fusion. Your surgeon will determine the number of spinal levels needed to be decompressed and the technique that is best for you.
Laminectomy demonstration (click the video player below to view):
