Laminectomy
Pronunciation: lam-ih-NEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of the lamina portion of vertebrae to access the spinal canal for lead placement.
Full Definition
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the lamina (the posterior arch) of one or more vertebrae to gain access to the spinal canal. In neuromodulation, laminectomy may be performed to facilitate surgical lead placement when percutaneous approaches are not feasible or when paddle leads are preferred over cylindrical leads. This approach provides direct visualization of the spinal cord and allows for precise electrode positioning. However, laminectomy is more invasive than percutaneous techniques and requires longer recovery periods.
Usage
Usage note: Specify vertebral levels and extent of bone removal in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "A limited laminectomy was performed at L1-L2 to facilitate paddle lead placement for spinal cord stimulation." — Surgical report
- "The patient's previous laminectomy provided adequate space for percutaneous lead insertion without additional surgery." — Pre-operative assessment