Lumbar Laminectomy (Decompression)

What it is and why we do it

A laminectomy relieves the crowding of lumbar spinal stenosis by removing the bone and thickened ligament that are narrowing the canal, reopening space for the nerves. I recommend it when leg heaviness, cramping, or walking limitation from stenosis has not responded enough to non-surgical care and is limiting your life. When possible, I do this without a fusion, to preserve the natural motion of the level.

What happens during surgery

Through an incision in the low back, I remove the back portion of bone (the lamina) and the overgrown ligament pressing on the nerves, and I undercut the edges to free the nerves while preserving as much of the stabilizing joints as I can. The goal is a roomy canal and a spine that stays stable.

Your recovery

Many people go home the same day or after one night, and the leg symptoms and walking distance often improve quickly. Walking is encouraged right away. Return to fuller activity is usually over several weeks, guided by your comfort and your job’s demands.

Activity and restrictions

Early on, avoid heavy lifting and excessive bending and twisting. I will give you a graded plan, and physical therapy often helps you rebuild strength and confidence as you return to activity.

The science — for the curious

Decompression alone reliably relieves the leg and walking symptoms of stenosis while preserving motion. I add a fusion only when there is also instability — a slip or excess movement that decompression would worsen — because a fused level shifts load onto its neighbors over time. Keeping the operation to the least that solves the problem is the principle that guides this surgery.

Learn more

OrthoInfo — Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: orthoinfo.aaos.org

North American Spine Society — Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: knowyourback.org

This handout is general education about this procedure and does not replace the specific plan, risks, and consent discussion we have together. Your own situation may differ — if anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins, so please ask me.