If you have had a laminaplasty please give me your opinion - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

malbo55 · 08-31-2008, 01:20 PM

I was in a car accident and I was left with cervical stenosis with myelopathy.I have disc protrusions at c4-c7 compressing my spinal cord and nerve roots.I have seen 4 surgeons ,ortho and nuero,and I have been given 4 different approaches to decompress my spinal cord.The anterior approach which involves the removal of 3 discs and fusing seems drastic.I'm afraid that it would cause too much strain on the discs above and below the fused area which could give me problems in the future. I'm leaning toward a laminaplasty.It seems like it would decompress my spinal cord and allow the nerves to move away from being pinched when the cord is given more room from behind.The fact that no bones are removed will also keep my spine stable.Since I am very active and have a physically demanding job I'm very concerned about what I can expect after the surgery.I've heard you could have decreased mobility in your neck as well as chronic pain in your neck.I would love to hear from anyone who has had a laminaplasty surgery.Did the procedure eliminate your shoulder and arm pain and decompress your spinal cord without too many negative side effects.HELP! LAMINAPLASTY VS.ANTERIOR FUSION =CONFUSION

sunshine221 · 09-20-2008, 03:18 PM

OPPS sorry I don't check the boards as often as I used to. I had a laminectomy three years ago and selected the posterior for the same logical reasons you did (also C4-C7). I was 47 when I had the surgery. The recovery, while some say is more difficult than ACDF, wasn't bad. I didn't drive for a while - don't remember exactly - probably about two months but I was back to work at least part time at 3 weeks (I own the business and was able to lie flat in my office to rest when needed). The surgery solved many of my problems but I still have a gait issue. MRI's in July 06 and Dec 07 show some constriction still at C5-c6 so the surgery wasn't perfect and I might need another one at some point but I'm not in pain just inconvenience by walking problems. I think I can tell sometimes if my spine has shifted and I just rest and then its usually better. I swim, do water weights, Curves, walk, treadmill, etc. I can play tennis and golf but I watch it. I avoid heavy lifting. I watch my posture at the computer. I've reviewed with my neuro what to watch for as "danger" signs (urinary incontinence, muscle weakness, etc.) - but given the same facts, I'd have made the same choice again for posterior surgery.

rwjwith · 09-24-2008, 09:51 AM

I am sorry to read of your condition caused by the accident. I noticed your post because I too am contemplating a Laminoplasty for my cervical issues at c4 to c7. I have seen 4 Neurosurgeons! The first thing two of them reccomended was the standard ACDF. However I brought up the fact that I am a vocalist and work professionally at that and right away I was given no guarantees. The second surgeon reccomended the Laminoplasty as an alternative.The other alternative is posterior fusion. It may be a good sign that there are so few posts here regarding laminoplasty's because as you can see there are so many regarding issues with FUSIONS. I am in a position in which I have been advised TO have the surgery because of the danger of any trauma causing PARALYSIS but my pain is really controlled o.k.it barely effects my quality of life at all and I have waited two years so far since the diagnosis trying to find an alternative. However it seems to me that the LAMINOPLASTY may be the way to go to avoid the pitfalls of fusion plus the need to wear a hard collar for months. I wish you all the best.

sunshine221 · 09-25-2008, 04:23 AM

I had a laminectomy as opposed to laminoplasty but they are similar. I was given both options - acdf or laminectomy and that later was more logically to me because of the number of levels, my age and all the talk about further problems above and below with acdf. The posterior approach operations are the "older" techniques and do involve the cutting of more large muscles. It was my first and only major surgery (to do) but the recovery was not that bad. Read my old posts and I'll try to look out for more from you - I don't check back here as often as I used to. Note too that some people with ACDF don't get asked to wear a collar.

malbo55 · 09-25-2008, 10:47 AM

Hi Sunsine221,

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience.It sounds as if your operation was a success.You came out better then you went in.You were able to get rid of your pain and still have enough mobility to do the activities you enjoy.I'm sorry to hear you still have some trouble walking and your c5-level is still a concern.It just so happens that's the level that is compressing my cord the most as well.I'm meeting with my surgeon Oct 6 to talk it all over and I'm scheduled for surgery oct 15.I still have lots of questions.I'll report back when I get the answers.