Laminectomy

This procedure involves removing some of the bone and ligaments to open up the canal and decompress the spinal cord and nerves.

This can be done in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

In the lumbar spine, a discectomy is also performed when a herniated disc fragment needs to be removed.

When performed using a minimally invasive approach with a small incision and less disruption of the muscles, patients go home from surgery the same day.