laminectomy

[ lam-uh-nek-tuh-mee ]

noun

, plural lam·i·nec·to·mies.

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.

laminectomy

/ ˌlæmɪˈnɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision into the backbone to gain access to the spinal cord Also calledrachiotomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of laminectomy¹

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

Example Sentences

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

In April, Swedish scientists published the results of an inquiry into spinal-stenosis treatments, examining nearly two hundred and fifty patients who had been randomly assigned to undergo laminectomy alone or added fusion.

From The New Yorker