A laminoplasty, similar to a laminectomy, is often performed on patients suffering from spinal stenosis in the neck (narrowing of the cervical spinal canal). It is also referred to as an "open-door laminoplasty." A laminoplasty creates more space for the spinal cord and roots. The actual procedure involves cutting a “hinge” into one side of the lamina and swinging it open like a door. It relieves pressure on the spinal cord by increasing the diameter of the spinal canal and room for the spinal cord. The surgery approach is through the back of the neck. This procedure creates excellent spinal canal decompression without the instability that may be created by multiple level cervical laminectomies.
By relieving pressure on the spinal cord it is the goal of laminoplasty to stop the progression of damage to the spinal cord and allow for as much recovery of function as possible.