WHAT IS POSTERIOR CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY AND FUSION?

This is the name for the procedure performed from the back to alleviate pressure on nerves which are compressed from arthritis. The back part of the spine, the lamina, is removed in part or completely, and the extra soft tissue that has overgrown and compressing the nerves is removed. Since removal of this bone can weaken the structure of the spine, a fusion is then done with screws and rods to strengthen the spine and to decrease pain.