laminectomy

American  

[lam-uh-nek-tuh-mee] / ˌlæm əˈnɛk tə mi /

noun

plural

laminectomies

1. the surgical removal of part of the posterior arch of a vertebra to provide access to the spinal canal, as for the excision of a ruptured disk.

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laminectomy British  

/ ˌlæmɪˈnɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. Also called: rachiotomy.  surgical incision into the backbone to gain access to the spinal cord

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Etymology

Origin of laminectomy

First recorded in 1890–95; lamin(a) + -ectomy

Example Sentences

If a fracture isn’t the problem but a misaligned disk is compressing nearby nerves, surgeons may perform a laminectomy.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris faced complications during surgery, forcing doctors to perform a full lumbar laminectomy, a surgical procedure where a part of the spine is removed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

From Fox News

On Nov. 28, he underwent a microdiscectomy and laminectomy in the region of his lower back.

From Golf Digest

He immediately underwent a microdiscectomy and laminectomy in his lower back, placing him on the sidelines for the rest of the 2018-'19 season.

From Golf Digest

“I began losing function. I couldn’t walk anymore. I had a laminectomy, which is a spinal-cord lengthening. It didn’t work,” he said.

From Washington Times