Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

Dealing with progressive neck pain, numbness or gait issues can be challenging, especially if conservative care has been unsuccessful. Cervical laminectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure performed from the back of the neck that can stop neurological damage. This dual-component procedure relieves pressure and secures the spine to protect your long-term mobility. Dr. Rojeh Melikian and his team approach this procedure with compassionate care tailored to your needs.

What Is Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion?

A cervical laminectomy and fusion is a combined procedure that includes a laminectomy and fusion in the neck portion of the spine. The main goal of this treatment is to relieve compression on the spinal cord and nerve roots while maintaining the structural integrity of the neck. Specifically, this procedure is often used to treat cervical spinal stenosis, cervical myelopathy or degenerative changes, such as bone spurs or thickened ligaments that crowd the nerves.

Here are some symptoms that signal you should see a spine specialist:

• Progressive neurological deficits, such as worsening weakness in the hands or arms
• Disturbances in gait, including loss of balance, stumbling or heaviness in the legs
• Intractable pain in the neck or arm that is unresponsive to injections or physical therapy

The Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion Procedure

Because of its combined nature, a cervical laminectomy and fusion procedure has several steps. You will be under general anesthesia during the entirety of the procedure.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect:

1. Incision: Dr. Melikian will make a small incision at the back of the neck to access the lamina and perform the fusion.
2. Laminectomy: During a laminectomy, Dr. Melikian will carefully remove the lamina and any bone spurs pressing on the spinal cord.
3. Fusion: A fusion procedure typically involves the insertion of screws and rods alongside bone graft material to fuse the segments into a solid bone. The specific technique and hardware used may vary depending on each patient’s individual needs.

Potential Benefits and Expected Outcomes

Dr. Melikian specializes in advanced spine care, helping patients achieve better outcomes and higher satisfaction. Some advantages of this procedure can include:

• Pain relief: This procedure should reduce radiating arm pain and stop the worsening of spinal cord damage.
• Cervical stability: Following surgery, patients can experience a stronger, more stable cervical spine, preventing future deformity.
• Better quality of life: Throughout recovery, patients typically notice improvement in walking, hand dexterity and daily independence.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

While recovery timelines can look different for everyone, post-operative care often includes pain management, supportive neck braces and physical therapy. Dr. Melikian and his team will work with you to create a tailored recovery program for your unique needs.

Why Choose Rojeh Melikian, M.D.?

Rojeh Melikian, M.D., attended Harvard and Emory University and is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon trained in complex posterior spine surgery. He has dedicated his career to identifying and treating complex spine disorders, always centering care around a patient’s needs. At our facilities, we are committed to thorough education and customized surgical planning to support patients every step of the way.

Schedule a Consultation Today

We proudly serve patients from across Southern California from our locations in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach and Brentwood. If you believe you might benefit from a cervical laminectomy and fusion, contact our team online or call us at 949-269-6879 to schedule a consultation.