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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Post laminectomy questions
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Post laminectomy questions
by Patricia__0__0, Nov 16, 1998 12:00AM
I had bilaterial laminectomy of C3 to C6 with removal of the spinous
processes 6 weeks ago due to a spontaneous epidural hematoma. With
so much bone gone, what is supporting my neck and head?
What problems may I be seeing in the future due to the above
procedure and what can I do to prevent injury/trauma in that region?
I was told that scar tissues from my incisional wound can be a
problem later on. Please explain how it can create problems and
what can I do to prevent it.
THANK YOU.
-Patricia
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Dear Patricia,
These are excellent questions. The biggest risk after a multi-level cervical laminectomy lies in future instability of the cervical spine.
The vertebrae of the spine are each made of a vertebral body in the front and the posterior elements, including the lamina, faces,and spinous process, in back. In between is the neural arch, which surrounds the spinal cord. After a laminectomy, the support from the posterior elements is reduced and the risk of one vertebra 'falling forward' on another. The altered dynamics can also contribute to disc herniations as well.
This is not meant to scare you. Most patients do well after cervical laminectomies and do not encounter the problems mentioned above. The laminectomy to evacuate the epidural hematoma was unavoidable. The low incidence of delayed instability and disc herniation after a cervical laminectomy do not warrant a fusion procedure at the time of the laminectomy. Patients can be followed clinically in such instances.
Good luck.
