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Articles and graphics courtesy of Medtronic Sofamor Danek, 2002.

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Laminoplasty

What is it?
For patients with painfully restricted spinal canals in their necks, this procedure immediately relieves pressure by creating more space for the spinal cord and roots. The technique is often referred to as an "open door laminoplasty," because the back of the vertebrae is made to swing open like a door.

The Operation

Incision
An incision is made on the back of the neck.

A groove is cut down one side of the cervical vertebrae creating a hinge.

The other side of the vertebrae is cut all the way through.

The tips of the spinous processes are removed to create room for the bones to pull open like a door.

The back of each vertebrae is bent open like a door on its hinge, taking pressure off the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Small wedges made of bone are placed in the opened space of the door.

End of Operation
The door of the vertebrae swings shut, and the wedges stop it from closing all the way. The spinal cord and the nerve roots rest comfortably behind the door.