Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part of the vertebral bone called the lamina. The lamina is the flat or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal. This procedure is often performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the spinal canal.

The spinal canal houses the spinal cord and nerve roots, and conditions such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), herniated discs, or other spinal abnormalities can lead to compression of these structures. This compression can result in pain, weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms.

During a laminectomy, the surgeon removes a portion of the lamina to create more space in the spinal canal and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure may be performed in the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine, depending on the location of the issue.

Laminectomy is often considered as a treatment option when conservative measures, such as physical therapy or medications, fail to provide relief for spinal conditions. It's important to note that while laminectomy can be effective in relieving symptoms, it does result in the loss of some spinal stability, and in some cases, spinal fusion may be performed simultaneously to stabilize the spine.