The bone that curves around and covers the spinal cord (lamina) is removed (laminectomy) and the tissue that is causing pressure on the nerve or spinal cord is removed. The hole through which the nerve passes can be enlarged to prevent further pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, a piece of bone (bone graft), interbody cages, or pedicle screws may be used to strengthen the area of surgery.
Review Date: 4/28/2004 12:00:00 AM
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine FoundationVail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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