A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to remove the curved bony structures of one or more vertebrae. Vertebrae are the donut-shaped bones that make up the spine. Laminectomies often involve removing curved bony structures on the back end of these donut-shaped bones. The ultimate goal of a laminectomy is to relieve the spinal cord from being pressed on by the bone of the spine. When bone presses on the spinal cord, it can cause intense pain. Bone may be pressing on the spinal cord for a variety of reasons such as an injury (for example, a gunshot wound) or deterioration of a disk. Speaking of disks, laminectomies are sometimes done to remove an out of place disk located between the bones of the spine.

If several bony structures are removed, the patient may need to undergo surgery to fuse (combine) the spine together. This is typically done by removing pieces of bone from other parts of the body or by using artificial material, and then connecting it with the bones of the spine. After the surgery is completed the patient is kept flat in bed so that the bones of the spine line up properly. The patient is evaluated every 2 to 4 hours for 48 hours to evaluate motor and sensory functioning in the arms and legs. When a laminectomy occursin the neck area, the patient is observed for breathing problems caused by swelling around the spinal cord.

Bandages should be examined for bleeding or leaking of fluid from the spine. The patient is moved around without bending or twisting the spine or hips. This is done by having the patient fold his/her arms across the chest while extending the legs, and being moved by nurses who pull on a sheet that is under the patient. Laminectomy comes from the Latin word, "lamina" meaning "plate," and the Greek word, "ektome" meaning "excision or remove." Put the two words together and you have "remove (the) plate," referring to bone. Laminectomy is also known as rachitomy and spondylotomy.

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