Minimally Invasive Laminotomy

Spinal Stenosis is a very common spinal condition where patients experience back and extremity pain secondary to narrowing of the tunnels in the spine where the nerves travel (spinal canal and neural foramina). The pain is typically aggravated by standing and walking. The patients that suffer from this condition often are unable to walk or stand for prolonged periods. A significant number of patients have to walk with a stooped or hunched posture. This condition can severely impact one’s quality of life and limit their activities.

What is Minimally Invasive Laminotomy Procedure

At San Jose Neurospine, our goal is to get our spinal stenosis patients back to life, by treating their condition using minimally invasive techniques. We treat spinal stenosis using the minimally invasive laminotomy technique. The procedure relieves the pressure on the nerves by removing the bone spurs, overgrown ligament and disc material that are the source of the compression. Highlights of the San Jose Neurospine MIS laminotomy technique are outlined below:

• Half Inch Incision (the surgery is performed through a 16mm tubular retractor)
• Multiple spinal levels and both sides of the spine could be treated through a single incision
• The lamina (the roof of the spine) and other supporting ligaments are preserved
• Muscles and soft tissues surrounding the spine are spared
• The surgical microscope is used to enhance visualization through the small opening

Symptoms Treated By MIS Laminotomy Procedure

The following spinal stenosis symptoms could be effectively treated using the minimally invasive laminotomy procedure:

• Back or neck pain — This is a very common symptom of symptom of stenosis
• Arm or leg pain — The pressure of the spinal nerves frequently causes radiating or shooting pain in the extremities.
• Numbness and Tingling — Loss of sensation and a “pins and needles” feeling in the extremities is another very common symptom.
• Weakness — Patients could also experience loss of strength in the extremities secondary to nerve compression.

The safe execution of this procedure requires a very high level of microsurgical skill. A Spine Surgeon has to perform this procedure on a regular basis in order to achieve exceptional proficiency. At San Jose Neurospine, our Board Certified, Northwestern-UCLA trained Neurosurgeon has performed over 2000 successful minimally invasive spine cases. The MIS laminotomy procedure has a 90 percent success rate and the majority of our patients are discharged home the same day of surgery. In addition, at San Jose Neurospine, you will have the comfort and security of knowing that your entire procedure (from opening to closure) is performed by a Board Certified Attending Neurosurgeon. There are no resident trainees, medical students or physician assistants working on you (this is quite the opposite at large academic centers, where residents in training often perform critical portions of your procedure). We have helped thousands of spinal stenosis patients get back to walking and enjoying life again. Watch our patient testimonials to learn more. Don’t let this condition limit your activities. If you have had a recent MRI scan, our Spine Care Team would be happy to provide you with a free MRI review. Call us today to find out if you qualify for this procedure. Avoid conventional open spine surgery and explore minimally invasive solutions. MIS surgery is ALL we do.

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We have changed the lives of thousands of patients using these minimally invasive techniques. Learn more about the patient’s experiences by watching their video testimonials below.