A surgical procedure that removes part or all of the lamina (back portion of vertebrae) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It's commonly performed to treat spinal stenosis or herniated discs.
From Latin 'lamina' meaning 'thin plate' or 'layer' and Greek 'ektome' meaning 'cutting out.' The lamina refers to the flat, plate-like part of the vertebra that forms the roof of the spinal canal.
Laminectomy creates more space for compressed nerves by removing the 'roof' of the spinal canal, like raising the ceiling in a cramped room. This procedure can provide dramatic relief from leg pain and numbness that may have persisted for months or years due to nerve compression.
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