Cervical Laminectomy / Decompression Procedure in St. Louis, MO

Cervical Laminectomy / Decompression

What the procedure is

Cervical laminectomy (and related decompression procedures such as laminotomy and foraminotomy) removes small areas of bone and thickened tissue that are crowding the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck. Working through a small incision on the back of the neck—and using imaging guidance—your surgeon creates more space to relieve pressure. In select cases, a minimally invasive approach is possible. If there’s significant instability or a large area must be removed, a fusion may be recommended at the same time to keep the spine stable.

What it can help with

Decompression eases pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which can reduce neck pain and relieve arm pain, tingling, or weakness. Many patients also notice improved hand coordination and balance when spinal cord compression (myelopathy) is present.

What it treats

Cervical spinal stenosis from bone spurs and thickened ligaments
Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve) causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness
Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression) leading to clumsiness, gait changes, or hand dysfunction
Disc–osteophyte complexes or facet overgrowth that narrow the nerve channels (foramina)

Who needs this treatment

You may be a candidate if symptoms persist despite conservative care—activity changes, therapy, medications, laser, or injections—or if there is progressive weakness, dexterity loss, or clear signs of spinal cord involvement. During your St. Louis consultation, we’ll correlate your exam with MRI findings and discuss whether decompression alone, decompression with fusion, or a different approach (e.g., ACDF or TDR) best fits your goals.

The benefits

Direct pressure relief on the spinal cord and nerves
Smaller incision and muscle-sparing techniques when appropriate
Improved arm symptoms and, in myelopathy, potential improvement in hand function and balance
A plan tailored to preserve motion when safe—or stabilize if needed

How we can help as a practice

At Orthopedic Spine Institute of St. Louis, we start with conservative options and reserve surgery for when it’s truly appropriate. If decompression is recommended, we’ll explain the procedure in plain language, review alternatives, and map your recovery—collar use (if needed), driving/desk-work timelines, and therapy milestones. Our team verifies insurance benefits up front and schedules timely follow-ups so you always know what’s next.