Open lumbar laminectomy: Indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common indication for lumbar surgery. The objective of this article is to review the efficacy of open laminectomy as a treatment option for patients who fail conservative management. Identification of appropriate surgical candidates (those with clinical findings supported by imaging) and adequate surgical decompression affect ultimate outcomes. Review of current surgical techniques and documented outcomes indicates that laminectomy remains a viable treatment option in treating symptomatic stenosis.