Lumbar Laminectomy is a commonly performed procedure where a portion of the vertebra called a lamina is removed to take pressure away from the spinal nerves. Bone spurs may also be removed.
This is performed most commonly for a condition called spinal stenosis. The goals of this surgery are to relieve buttock and leg pain, restore walking ability, and improve strength.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy is a similar procedure to a laminectomy but requires only a small “window” to be made in the lamina rather than effecting complete removal. This allows for removal of herniated or bulging disc fragments and bone spurs.
The goal of this surgery is to relieve leg pain and weakness.