What Is Cervical Laminoplasty?
Cervical laminoplasty treats multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy by enlarging the spinal canal from the back of the neck, relieving pressure on the spinal cord. Rather than removing the lamina entirely (as in a laminectomy), the surgeon creates a hinge on one side and opens a “door” on the other, expanding the canal while preserving the posterior bony structures and much of the neck's natural motion.
Who It's For
Laminoplasty is generally considered for patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy who have preserved or near-normal cervical alignment (lordosis) rather than significant kyphosis, and who don't have substantial neck pain or instability that would be better served by fusion. It's an appealing option for patients who want to avoid the motion loss associated with multilevel fusion.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Through a posterior midline incision, the surgeon exposes the lamina at the affected levels. A trough is cut on one side to create a hinge, and the lamina is cut through on the opposite side and swung open like a door, enlarging the spinal canal. Small plates, sutures, or spacers hold the lamina in its new, open position, creating lasting extra room for the spinal cord.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients stay in the hospital one to three days. A soft collar may be used briefly for comfort, and physical therapy helps restore strength and range of motion. Because myelopathy can cause nerve changes that take time to recover, improvement in hand coordination, gait, and strength often continues gradually over several months after surgery.