Overview
Cervical vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. These vertebrae have an opening, called the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord passes. Blood vessels and ligaments also go through the spinal canal.
A condition called spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows. The narrowing of the spinal can be caused by thickening of ligaments, degeneration of intervertebral discs and bone spurs. Some symptoms of spinal stenosis are gait disturbances, clumsiness of the hands and pain/numbness of the arms.
When Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery is Necessary?
A cervical laminoplasty can be necessary for the following reasons:
Degenerative diseases
Arthritis
Bone spurs
Disc herniations
OPLL (Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments)
Spinal tumors
Spinal fractures
Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery
A cervical laminoplasty procedure is performed to decompress or remove spinal pressure. The buildup of bone spurs, ligaments or discs in the cervical spine can lead to a number of symptoms that include weakness, walking instability, numbness and clumsiness of the arms, among others. This condition is also known as cervical myelopathy, and can create uneasiness and immobility for any individual.
A cervical laminoplasty procedure involves the hinging of one side of the posterior vertebrae elements, while cutting the other side of the vertebrae to create a door. This door is then held in place by wedges. The goal of a cervical laminoplasty surgery is to hinder or stop the progression of spinal cord damage, while allowing for the recovery of mobility and function.
Contact Dr. Moza - 805-497-3622
Dr. Moza is an experienced California spine surgeon, lauded as a Vitals Top 10 Neurosurgeon who has received several customer care awards and numerous other accolades.
Located in Thousand Oaks, California, Dr. Moza serves all of southern California, including: Los Angeles, Westlake Village, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Camarillo, Calabasas, Hollywood, Ventura and San Diego.
Contact Dr. Moza to see if cervical laminoplasty is right for you.