Minimally Invasive Laminoplasty Surgery in Chapin, South Carolina
Neck pain can make even simple movements like looking down at your phone or finding a comfortable way to sleep feel like a challenge. When those everyday motions start to cause pain, weakness, or tingling, it’s a sign your spine needs expert attention.
At Palmetto Bone & Joint, we understand how disruptive neck and spine conditions can be. Our orthopedic specialists take the time to listen, diagnose precisely, and offer advanced treatment options tailored to your needs. If you’re ready to find relief and get back to living comfortably, schedule a consultation at our Chapin, Newberry, or Irmo location today.
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What Is Laminoplasty Surgery, & Who Is It For?
Laminoplasty is a spinal decompression surgery that relieves pressure on the spinal cord caused by cervical spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or bone overgrowth. Unlike traditional fusion surgery, laminoplasty preserves motion in the neck by restructuring (rather than removing) parts of the lamina, the protective arch of bone on the back of each vertebra.
You may be a good candidate for laminoplasty if you:
- Have been diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis or spinal cord compression
- Experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or hands
- Have neck pain or stiffness that limits daily function
- Have not found relief from nonsurgical treatments such as medication or physical therapy
- Want to maintain motion and flexibility in your neck after surgery
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
Laminoplasty is most commonly used to treat conditions affecting the neck region, including:
- Cervical spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Cervical myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord causing neurological symptoms)
- Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated cervical discs
- Spinal cord injuries or bone spurs causing nerve compression
This approach allows the spinal cord more room within the canal while keeping the vertebrae intact, often resulting in less postoperative stiffness and faster recovery.
What to Expect from Laminoplasty Surgery
Before Surgery
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation and imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) to confirm the location and severity of spinal compression. Your orthopedic team will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and develop a personalized surgical plan with a highly experienced laminoplasty surgeon.
During the Procedure
During laminoplasty, a small incision is made along the back of the neck. The surgeon then creates a “hinge” on one side of the lamina and gently lifts the other side, opening space within the spinal canal. The opened section is secured with a small titanium plate or bone graft to keep it in place, decompressing the spinal cord while preserving motion.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients spend one or two nights in the hospital. Physical therapy begins soon after to restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and promote healing. This guided laminoplasty rehabilitation program focuses on safe movement and gradual return to activity. Patients can typically return to light activity within several weeks, with full laminoplasty recovery taking a few months based on overall health and procedure complexity.
Our team provides ongoing laminoplasty care after your procedure, ensuring that healing, mobility, and comfort continue to improve through personalized follow-up and physical therapy support.
Real-Life Benefits of Laminoplasty for Neck & Spine Pain
- Preserves Neck Motion: Unlike spinal fusion, laminoplasty maintains flexibility and movement
- Reduces Pain and Numbness: Relieves nerve compression to ease symptoms in the neck, arms, and hands
- Improves Function: Helps restore coordination, grip strength, and daily activity levels
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Smaller incisions and less muscle disruption promote faster recovery
- Long-Term Relief: Provides lasting decompression and improved spinal canal space
Other Specialized Treatment Areas
FAQs About Laminoplasty Surgery
Laminoplasty surgery usually lasts around two to three hours. Much of this time is spent carefully opening space around the spinal cord and securing the area to protect the nerves. Before your procedure, our team will explain what will happen during surgery and what you can expect afterward, so you feel informed and at ease.
Every patient’s spine condition is a little different, which is why we always start with a detailed consultation and imaging review. If your spinal cord is being compressed but your vertebrae remain stable, laminoplasty may be a great option to relieve pressure while keeping your neck mobile.
Our team will walk you through your imaging results and discuss whether this motion-preserving surgery is the best fit for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Laminoplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by experienced orthopedic spine specialists. Like any surgery, though, there are a few potential risks, such as infection, nerve irritation, or temporary stiffness in the neck or shoulders.
Although complications are rare, your care team will discuss potential laminoplasty risks before surgery and outline how we work to minimize them. Our focus is always on your safety, comfort, and recovery. After surgery, we’ll monitor your progress closely and guide your rehabilitation to help you regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in your movement.
Most patients wear a soft or rigid neck collar for a short time after laminoplasty to protect the area and support healing. The exact type and duration depend on your individual procedure and comfort level.
Our care team will give you clear instructions and check your progress at each follow-up appointment to make sure you’re healing safely and steadily.
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring flexibility, improving posture, and strengthening the neck and upper back muscles. Your physical therapist will show you gentle exercises that protect your spine while helping you rebuild endurance and range of motion.
Palmetto Bone & Joint will coordinate your therapy plan closely with your surgeon so your recovery feels seamless and supported.
Returning to desk or light work is possible within a few weeks, while those with more physically demanding jobs may need a bit longer. Driving usually resumes once you can comfortably turn your head and are no longer taking prescription pain medication. We’ll give you personalized guidance to help you get back to your routine safely and confidently.
Schedule a Laminoplasty Consultation Today
Neck and spine pain shouldn’t keep you from doing the things you love. Orthopedic specialists at Palmetto Bone & Joint combine advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, personalized care to help you move with comfort and confidence again.
Our team is here to guide you through every stage of your treatment, from diagnosis to recovery, so you can get back to living life without limitations.