Laminoforaminotomy – What You Need to Know

Did you know that laminoforaminotomy increases the spinal canal’s diameter by up to 50%?

That’s right! Even though it’s a big word, it’s a simple surgical process in which the lamina and foramen both are involved.

Moreover, once the surgery is completed, the very next day you feel no pain and other symptoms as before.

However, if any complication occurs, the doctors might admit you for a longer period. And spinal fusion surgery will also be performed to stabilize the joints if needed.

Is there any way to diagnose and treat chronic and severe back pain? What is laminoforaminotomy? How do you differentiate between a normal and affected spine? What’s the difference between cervical and lumbar laminoforaminotomy?

Let’s answer all your queries!

Laminoforaminotomy

Laminoforaminotomy, though sounds like a big word with even difficult meaning, is not.

Simply put, laminoforaminotomy is the combination of the terms, laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy.

Let’s get to know these terms real quick before proceeding forwards!

Laminectomy refers to the removal of the spinal lamina of one or both sides.

Whereas, laminotomy is a less invasive surgery in which there is excision of a very small amount of lamina to decompress the spine.

The only difference between the two is the quantity of tissue and ligaments that are kept intact.

Lastly, as the name implies, foraminotomy is the widening of any of the spinal foramina that are compressing upon the nerves.

Now put it all together, laminoforaminotomy means to reopen the spinal canal as well as foramen after removing the bony lamina of the spine.

Usually, laminoforaminotomy does not need any bony graft or artificial implant. However, if needed, surgeons might as well perform spinal fusion surgery to fix the spine at a place and strengthen it.

Note: However, to reach up that level, your doctor will need a correct diagnosis of your condition. So, don’t worry when your doctor asks you for an X-ray, CT scan, and MRI before discussing further management options.

Let’s now discuss the two main types of laminoforaminotomy.

Cervical Laminoforaminotomy

Do you have consistent neck pain that is not relieved by any conservative treatment? We recommend you call your doctor right away!

As we all know, neck or upper back pain is very common, and there are many reasons for its occurrence.

A mild and acute form of pain often reduces on its own. But if it is persistent, there are high chances that there is a hidden underline pathology.

Note: For instance, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, bulging, or herniated disc are a few conditions that need surgical intervention.

In simple words, cervical laminoforaminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure with minimum risk factors.

This type of laminoforaminotomy removes the bony spurs or discs, especially in the neck region, aka cervical spine.

The result of cervical laminoforaminotomy is decompression of the nerve roots which then relieves neck pain.

Moreover, there are two ways to perform laminoforaminotomy, Anterior and Posterior.

Mostly, the surgeon prefers posterior cervical foraminotomy except in a few cases where an Anterior technique is preferred.

Let’s move on to the second commonest type of laminoforaminotomy, that is, lumbar laminoforaminotomy.

Lumbar Laminoforaminotomy

Some of us already know that degeneration is a natural process occurring in the body as a person ages. And lumbar degeneration is very common in old age, especially at L3 to L5 spinal levels.

But if this degeneration of discs takes severe form, it can result in a narrowing of the spinal canal. The fate of which we all know!

Similarly, disc herniation and hypertrophy of ligaments, and muscles can as well narrow the spinal canal which then leads to pinching of the nerves.

Note: The nerves leaving through foramen need an open passage. And if due to any reason it is compressed, the surgeons perform laminoforaminotomy to reopen it.

Now since this procedure is being done in the lumbar region, there is a more precise term for it, that is, Lumbar laminoforaminotomy.

But why are we opting for lumbar laminoforaminotomy anyway? Is there no other option to remove the disc and open the foramen?

Well, there are conservative treatments to manage spinal stenosis. However, surgery has better efficacy than the other treatment options. Hence, it is preferred.

Besides, lumbar laminoforaminotomy is very effective in relieving low-back pain. And that is one reason why your doctor will suggest laminoforaminotomy for persistent back pain and numbness. 

Now let’s highlight the laminoforaminotomy recovery time frame!

Laminoforaminotomy Recovery Time

Before we proceed, keep in mind that the recovery time for any surgery is never the same for different patients.

However, to say it roughly, the laminoforaminotomy recovery timeline is of two to three months in almost all cases. However, it truly depends on the patient’s health and post-op condition of the spine.

Furthermore, your doctor will put a few restrictions on post-laminoforaminotomy. You are obliged to follow your doctor’s advice as that can shrink your laminoforaminotomy recovery time.

This is how your life will look like after laminoforaminotomy.

• 3 to 4 days hospital stay if there are no complications.
• Initially, the affected site will need icing, electric stimulation, massage.
• Walking for the recommended period and distance and cycling. Both these activities also boost your cardiac and respiratory system.
• 2 to 4 weeks physical therapy.
• Lastly, exercise to help with fast recovery.

Note: If you feel pain while performing any of the activities we have mentioned, know that it’s normal. However, if the pain takes severe form and you notice other symptoms as well, receive urgent treatment.

FAQs

Conclusion

In short, laminoforaminotomy refers to the excision of the lamina and widening of the occluded parts, be it the spinal canal or foramen.

Additionally, cervical laminoforaminotomy defines this surgical procedure for the cervical region. And we use the term lumbar laminoforaminotomy for low-back surgery.

Hopefully, we helped you in clearing your concept about laminoforaminotomy. And we hope that you have no confusion left.

The take-home message is to visit your doctor when you experience an abnormal change in the spine, associated with pain, numbness, and tingling.