Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

When the spinal cord in the neck is squeezed over several levels, the safest way to free it is often from the back. The surgeon removes the roof of the bone over the cord, then joins the bones together with screws and rods so the neck stays stable. Most people walk on the day of surgery and go home in 2 to 3 days.

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary. Last reviewed October 2026

What is a cervical laminectomy and fusion?

It's an operation done through a cut at the back of the neck. It has two parts:

• Laminectomy: The lamina is the back part of each vertebra, like a roof over the spinal cord. Removing it gives the cord more room.
• Fusion: Screws and rods are placed in the bones of the neck, and bone graft is laid alongside them. Over the following months, the bones grow together into one solid segment.

Why is a fusion added?

Taking away the back of the bone also removes part of what holds the neck steady. Without support, the neck can slowly tip forward over time, which can bring the cord pressure back. A fusion prevents this. It is most helpful when several levels are treated, when the neck is already stiff or curved forward, or when the joints are worn or unstable.

Why would the spinal cord need more room?

With age, bone spurs, thickened ligaments and bulging discs can crowd the canal that carries the spinal cord. When the cord is pressed, you may notice clumsy or numb hands, trouble with buttons or handwriting, unsteady walking, and neck stiffness. ◾Cervical Myelopathy (Spinal Cord Compression in the Neck) ◾Cervical Spinal Stenosis (Narrowing of the Spine in the Neck)

Who needs this surgery?

Most people with mild narrowing don't need an operation. Surgery is worth discussing if:

• Your MRI shows the spinal cord is being pressed, and this matches your symptoms
• Your hand function or walking is getting worse
• Arm symptoms stay severe despite proper non-surgical treatment
• Several levels are narrowed, which is hard to treat from the front

If you've been told you need surgery and want to be sure, you can send us your MRI for a second opinion →

Am I a good candidate?

It depends on your symptoms, your scans and your general health. Surgery from the back suits many people with narrowing at several levels. Other operations are sometimes better:

• Surgery from the front (ACDF): Often preferred when one or two levels are affected. 🔗ACDF (Neck Fusion for a Slipped Disc)
• Laminectomy without fusion: For selected people whose neck is stable and well aligned. 🔓Cervical Laminectomy (Surgery for Spinal Cord Compression in the Neck)
• Laminoplasty: Opens the canal while keeping some movement, in selected people.

We'll explain which one suits you, and why.

How is the operation done?

1. You're under general anaesthesia, so you're asleep throughout.
2. You lie face down, with your head held securely in a small frame.
3. The surgeon makes a cut down the middle of the back of the neck. An X-ray confirms the correct levels.
4. The neck muscles are gently moved off the bone.
5. The lamina and any bone spurs or thickened tissue pressing on the cord are removed. A microscope or magnifying loupes help the surgeon see clearly.
6. Screws are placed in the bones on each side and joined by rods. Bone graft is placed along the bone to help it fuse.
7. The muscles settle back and the skin is closed. Sometimes a thin tube (a drain) is left for a day to collect fluid.

Nerve monitoring runs throughout the operation. Small sensors on your arms and legs let the team check the cord and nerves in real time.

How well does it work?

The aim is to stop things getting worse, and many people also improve. Walking and hand function often get better, though numbness can take months to settle. If the cord has been squeezed for a long time, some changes may not fully recover. This is why earlier treatment gives better results. Arm pain from a pinched nerve usually eases soon after surgery. Neck stiffness and muscle spasm are common at first.

What are the risks?

Every operation has risks, and we'll go through them with you before you decide. They include:

• Symptoms that don't fully improve, especially if the cord was badly compressed for a long time
• Nerve irritation: Some people have arm pain for weeks. A small number wake up with shoulder or upper arm weakness (C5 nerve palsy). This usually recovers, but can take months.
• A small tear in the nerve covering, which is usually repaired at the time and heals well
• Infection or bleeding, both uncommon
• Bones not fusing: More likely if you smoke, have diabetes, take long-term steroids or have weak bones. Another operation is rarely needed.
• Wear in the neighbouring levels over the years

Serious cord injury is rare.

How can I prepare?

• Stop smoking, ideally weeks before surgery. Smoking is the biggest cause of fusions not healing.
• Keep your blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes.
• Tell us about every medicine you take. Blood thinners, aspirin, fish oil and herbal medicines may need to be stopped beforehand.
• Build a little strength and walking fitness beforehand.

What is recovery like?

You usually stay 2 to 3 nights. You can go home once you are eating, your pain is controlled and you are walking safely. The physiotherapist will see you early, and we encourage walking from the first day.

You may be asked to wear a neck collar for a period after surgery. We'll tell you if you need one. Healing continues for up to a year. Call us if you notice fever, a red or leaking wound, new weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, or trouble passing urine.

Will I lose neck movement?

Some. A fusion joins the bones, so those levels no longer move. Most people find this barely noticeable in daily life, because the rest of the neck takes over. Turning your head fully may feel a little stiffer.

Questions to ask your surgeon

• Is my spinal cord being pressed, and at which levels?
• Why is surgery from the back right for me, and not from the front?
• Do I need a fusion, or can the laminectomy be done alone?
• What result can I expect for my hands and walking?
• When can I return to work and exercise?

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About Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary

This page was written by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, trained in complex spine surgery at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess) and the Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis. 🏃🏾About Dr. Chaudhary

This page is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor.