Long Island Neurosurgical & Spinal Associates (LINSA)

Spine Surgery 

Spinal decompression is a general term which describes any procedure used to relief pressure on the spinal content (nerves and spinal cord).

There are many causes for this pressure: Bony encroachment, arthritis, herniated discs, stenosis, tumor, infection, displacement, fractures, etc.

Surgical decompression techniques include laminectomy, which effects this decompression by removing the posterior bony ring (lamina) of a vertebra and is always performed from behind. In the thoracic spine it is sometimes combined with a posterior/lateral approach to access anterior/lateral lesions (costo-transversectomy). Other conditions have to be approached anteriorly or laterally.

A new technique to alleviate cases of mild lumbar stenosis is the XStop® device, which is placed as a spacer between the spinous processes.

The most common procedure is a "Decompressive Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis" of the cervical or lumbar spine.

These procedures are not minimally invasive and are associated with greater risks, such as spinal fluid leaks, nerve injury, resultant instability, which will be discussed in detail by your surgeon. The recuperation takes longer and may necessitate postoperative care in a rehabilitation center.