What does laminectomy refer to?

Laminectomy specifically refers to the surgical procedure that involves the removal of the lamina, which is the bony arch that forms the back part of the vertebra. This procedure is often performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. By removing the lamina, more space is created in the spinal canal, which can alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness that may be impacting a patient’s mobility or overall health.

The other options describe different types of spinal surgeries that involve varying procedures and goals. Repair of the spine could refer broadly to various interventions but does not specifically denote the removal of the lamina. Fusion of vertebrae typically involves joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, while replacement of a disc refers to surgeries intended to remove a damaged intervertebral disc and replace it with an artificial one, both of which are distinct from the laminectomy. Thus, recognizing that laminectomy focuses solely on the removal of the lamina is key in understanding this specific surgical procedure.