What are the surgical treatment options for spinal stenosis?
Surgical treatment: Decompression The most common surgical procedure for stenosis is a decompressive laminectomy sometimes accompanied by fusion. Often referred to as “unroofing” the spine, this procedure involves the removal of various parts of the vertebrae, including:the lamina, as well as the attached ligaments, that cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, and/or enlarged facets, osteophytes and bulging disc material The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves by increasing the area of the spinal canal and neural foramen. Other types of surgery to treat stenosis include: • Laminotomy – only a small portion of the lamina is removed to relieve local pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. • Foraminotomy – the foramen (the opening through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal) is enlarged to increase space for the nerves. This surgery can be done alone or with a laminotomy. • Facetectomy – part of the facet joint is removed to
