Laminectomy

Diagram of human vertebrae with a demonstration of laminectomy surgery.

Why is Laminectomy recommended by some spine surgeons? 

A spine surgeon recommending Laminectomy to a patient with a history of back pain, with a greed to earn financial incentives.
  • Radiculopathy (nerve root dysfunction) from compressed/pinched nerves
  • Sciatica (pain down leg to foot) from compressed/pinched nerves
  • Spinal Stenosis with Cauda Equina Syndrome (poly radiculopathy) from compressed/pinched nerves
  • Spinal Stenosis with Spinal cord injury from compressed/pinched spinal cord
  • Strong financial incentives for spine surgeons
  • High paying procedure. Profits can exceed $10,000 per surgery performed
  • These procedures rarely cure pain and frequently lead to more surgery and pain management. “Cash cows” of spine surgery

How is Laminectomy performed? (Why we don't recommend it ?)

Why should Laminectomy be avoided?

What complications occur with Laminectomy?

What is the best alternative to Laminectomy?