Laminectomy, which is sometimes also called lumbar decompression, opens the bony tunnels through which the spinal cord and nerves pass. This relieves pain, tingling, numbness or weakening caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

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In a vertebra, the lamina covers the back part of the spinal canal. Removing all or part of it creates more room and relieves pressure caused by conditions such as bone spurs, ligament overgrowth or disc herniation.

Bone spurs in the spinal canal can result from osteoarthritis in the spine.

Significant pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg or foot that is worse than pain in the back is a common complaint of patients who may be considered for a laminectomy. Physical therapy and medication are the first treatments before surgery is considered.

Sometimes medical imaging reveals a structural issue in the spine that could require surgery.

Specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine bring decades of experience, specialized training and worldwide reputation for providing excellent care to laminectomy procedures. The combined team of orthopedic spine and neuroscience specialists at Norton Leatherman spine provides comprehensive care.

Your physician will recommend physical therapy that will aid your recovery. Pain may be relieved immediately after laminectomy or take several months as the body and nerve root heal.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

  • Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
  • First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
  • First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
  • First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
  • More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
  • Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
  • team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
  • Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
  • Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
  • Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically

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