LAMINECTOMY

Access the the spinal canal posteriorly (from the back side) almost always include some form of laminectomy–removal of the “roof” bone layer.

This can be a complete bilateral laminectomy (both sides) or partial hemi-laminectomy (one side)

With this access, soft tissue, bone, and other structure occupying space can be removed (to create more space)

If a posrtion of a disk is the major component, we often just call the procedure a “discectomy” or “microdiscectomy” (since a microscope for magnification is typically used)

When the primary goal is to widen the space that provides an outlet for nerve roots to exit the spine, we call this a “foraminotomy“