Procedure for Lumbar Laminectomy
The lumbar laminectomy (open decompression) differs from a microdiscectomy in that the incision is longer and there is more muscle stripping. • First, the back is approached through a two-inch to five-inch long incision in the midline of the back, and the left and right back muscles (erector spinae) are dissected off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels. • After the spine is approached, the lamina is removed (laminectomy), allowing visualization of the nerve roots. • The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may then be undercut (trimmed) to give the nerve roots more room.