Cervical laminoplasty is an operation to expand the spinal canal in the neck by hinging open the lamina like a door, rather than removing it entirely. It decompresses the spinal cord while preserving more stability than laminectomy.
An incision is made at the back of the neck. One side of the lamina is cut through completely (the 'open' side) and the other side is partially cut to create a hinge. The lamina is swung open like a door and held in its new position with small plates or sutures. This expands the spinal canal without removing the bone. Multiple levels are usually treated. The operation takes two to three hours.
Laminoplasty is recommended for multi-level cervical spinal stenosis causing myelopathy, particularly when the spine maintains its normal lordotic curve. It is an alternative to laminectomy and fusion that preserves more neck movement.
Observation for mild myelopathy, physiotherapy, and cervical collar. Progressive myelopathy generally requires surgery.
MRI and CT for planning. Standard pre-assessment.
Effective spinal cord decompression with preservation of neck movement. Most patients stabilise or improve neurologically.
Posterior neck and shoulder pain is common after laminoplasty and may persist for months.
Some loss of neck extension range.
Weakness of deltoid muscle. Occurs in approximately 5% and usually recovers.
Risk approximately 1%.
The opened lamina may close down over time, reducing the canal expansion.
Wound or deep infection.
Dural tear.
General anaesthesia with neuromonitoring.
Hospital stay two to four days. Collar for comfort for two to four weeks. Return to desk work at four to six weeks. Physiotherapy for neck rehabilitation. Full recovery three to six months.
Reviews at six weeks, three months, and one year with X-rays.
Laminoplasty preserves the posterior bony structure and may reduce the risk of post-operative kyphosis and instability, particularly when fusion is not performed.