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PROCEDURES

Lumbar Decompression

Conditions Treated

Lumbar decompression procedures are employed to treat various conditions that involve compression of the spinal nerves in the lower back. Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief from symptoms associated with conditions such as:

  • Herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Myelopathy

Procedure Overview

Decompression surgery refers to several procedures aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal nerves in the lower back. The choice of procedure will depend on the condition, the extent of nerve compression, and the surgeon’s judgment. Dr. Avramis performs several procedures for lumbar decompression, including:

  • Laminectomy The surgeon removes part or all of the lamina, which is the back part of the vertebra, to create more space for the spinal nerves. This procedure is often performed to alleviate pressure caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
  • Laminotomy Similar to a laminectomy, a laminotomy involves removing a part of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. However, in a laminotomy, only a small portion of the lamina is removed, preserving more of the natural structure of the spine.
  • Foraminotomy The surgeon can also decompress the nerves in the foramen. These are the left and right side tunnels located at each level of the spine, through which the spinal nerves exit the spine and travel to other parts of the body. This procedure can alleviate pressure on the nerves, improving overall function and relieving associated symptoms. Typically, this technique is combined with a laminectomy to treat stenosis both in the central canal and the foramen.
  • Laminoplasty This procedure involves making an incision on the back of the neck and carefully sliding the muscles of the spine to the sides, thus exposing the lamina and parts of the lateral masses of the spine bones. Next, a door is created using the lamina by cutting one side completely and creating a hinge on the opposite side. This ingenious design allows the lamina to be pulled back, effectively increasing the space for the spinal cord in the central canal at multiple levels.
  • Discectomy/Microdiscectomy If a herniated disc is the cause of nerve compression, a discectomy can be done to remove part or all of a herniated disc. A microdiscectomy aims to minimize tissue damage and expedite recovery by using minimally invasive techniques, small incisions, and specialized tools.

Recovery

Recovery after a lumbar decompression procedure can vary based on the specific surgery performed, the individual’s overall health, and other factors. Typically, the hospital stay is short, ranging from one to a few days. It is common to experience some initial pain at the surgical site. Initially and during the first few weeks of recovery, there may be restrictions on certain physical activities. A physical therapy program will most likely be started to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.

By addressing lumbar compression, spinal stenosis, and other spine conditions, lumbar decompression surgery aims to alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. To find out who is a candidate for this procedure, please schedule an appointment at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis.
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Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact

Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.