A posterior cervical laminectomy, instrumentation and fusion can be performed for a variety of cervical spine conditions including herniated discs, cervical stenosis, spondylolisthesis, instability, fractures and cervical radiculopathy (nerve root injury).

The surgery is divided into three basic steps:
1. Taking the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord,
2. Fusion of vertebrae with bone graft,
3. Stabilization of the fusion with metal rods and screws.

PROCEDURE

The surgery is performed through a midline skin incision in the back of the neck. The pressure on the spinal cord and nerves is relieved by removing bone from the back portion of the spinal canal (laminectomy). Bone graft is placed in the back of the cervical vertebrae which will help the bones fuse (heal) together with time. Small metal rods and screws are placed in the bones to stabilize the spine during the fusion (healing) process. A surgical drain will be inserted and removed 1-2 days after surgery. The skin is closed with dissolvable sutures and sterile superglue. Most patients require a neck brace for 6-8 weeks after surgery.