What is another word for laminectomy?
Pronunciation: [lˌamɪnˈɛktəmˌɪ] (IPA) 
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the vertebrae is removed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. Synonyms for laminectomy include spinal decompression, spinal cord decompression, and spinal laminotomy. Spinal decompression refers to the release of pressure on the spinal cord, while spinal cord decompression is a more technical term that specifically describes the alleviation of pressure on the spinal cord. A spinal laminotomy is similar to a laminectomy, but instead of removing the entire lamina, only a portion of it is removed to relieve pressure. Other related terms include foraminotomy, which is the removal of bone spurs or other growths that are pinching a nerve root, and discectomy, which involves the removal of a damaged or protruding disc.
