What is a laminotomy?

A laminotomy is a surgical procedure in which the lamina, a portion of the bony arch or ring that covers the spinal canal, is removed or surgically widened to alleviate pressure on the underlying neural elements, such as the spinal cord and nerve roots. It provides access to the spinal canal, aiming to relieve spinal cord or nerve root compression. It can be performed as an alternative or adjunct to other surgical procedures, such as a laminectomy, to create more space for the neural structures and address various conditions.