Laminectomy is typically recommended for patients with spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Other conditions that may require a laminectomy include herniated discs, tumors, and injuries to the spine.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy is performed for the condition known as lumbar canal stenosis when the spine is too narrow for the nerves contained within. Patients typically complain of impaired walking distance and leg pain on exertion. The spinal narrowing is caused by arthritic changes in the joints in the spine which then enlarge. This encroaches on the space available for the nerve roots and leads to the symptoms.