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Cervical Procedures in Carmel, IN Laminoplasty

Introduction to Laminoplasty

Relieve Pressure and Restore Cervical Stability

Cervical laminoplasty is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord from the back of the neck while preserving motion. At Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Peter Swiatek utilizes today’s most advanced techniques to optimize your comfort, mobility, and quality of life, creating a customized treatment plan that resolves your concerns.

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What Is Laminoplasty?

Cervical laminoplasty is a complex surgery in which Dr. Swiatek reshapes and repositions bone matter to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and improve flexibility and stability in the neck region. Laminoplasty comes from the Latin word lamina, which means “thin plate, sheet, or layer,” and the Greek word plastos, which means “to mold.” Laminoplasty differs from laminectomy in that Dr. Swiatek repositions the lamina and holds each lamina segment together with plates and screws rather than completely removing the lamina.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Laminoplasty?

To determine whether you are a candidate for surgery, Dr. Swiatek will meet with you in the Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, area for a preliminary consultation and in-depth medical review. Diagnostic testing can include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Laminoplasty may be suggested if you are experiencing the following:

  • Pain that extends to the shoulders, arms, or hands
  • Numbness, tingling, “pins and needles”, and muscle weakness in the neck and upper extremities
  • Loss of coordination, dexterity, or balance issues
  • Impacts on the bowel and/or bladder

The goal of a cervical laminoplasty is to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord by targeting the root cause of the issue while continuing to support the stability and natural motion of the vertebrae.

What Are the Benefits of Laminoplasty?

Laminoplasty is performed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord while allowing the patient to maintain their natural neck movements. Benefits of the surgery include:

  • Keeps the joints in working condition so that range of motion is preserved.
  • Widens the spinal canal to address numbness, pain, balance issues, and weakness.
  • Improves spinal stability and preserves its natural framework.
  • Lowers the risk of recurrence by reducing potential wear and tear on the adjacent spine segments.
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How to Begin Your Laminoplasty Journey

During your initial consultation at the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Dr. Swiatek will carefully review your candidacy for laminoplasty. You can expect the following steps:

  • A thorough review of your medical history and discussion of your symptoms and goals.
  • Diagnostic testing (MRIs or X-rays), including an evaluation of your reflexes, strength levels, range of motion, coordination, and amount of compression present.
  • A look at the surgery’s risks, downtime, costs, and other details.
  • Instructions to help you both prepare for and recover after your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Laminoplasty

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with the patient lying on their stomach. Dr. Swiatek will create an incision in the center of the back of the neck, allowing him to complete the following steps:

  • Move the muscles aside to expose the cervical lamina
  • Forge a groove down the side of the cervical vertebrae to make a “hinge”.
  • Make a cut through the opposite side of the vertebrae, allowing the lamina to open like a hinged door.
  • Bend the vertebrae open like a door on a hinge to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Eliminate any other root causes of compression, such as bone spurs or excess material from ligaments or discs.
  • Insert bone wedges into the open door space and secure the door with plates and screws.
  • Reposition the soft tissue and close the incision.
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Laminoplasty Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Laminoplasty Care

Dr. Swiatek will provide personalized aftercare instructions, prioritizing your return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible. Following cervical laminoplasty, you may note an immediate improvement in certain symptoms, while others may resolve more gradually.

How quickly you can get back to work depends on your healing capacity, the details of your surgical plan, and the type of work you do. Some important tips during your healing process include:

  • Use narcotic pain medications only as directed and never drive when taking them.
  • Take light, gentle walks right away to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clotting.
  • Wear the collar the doctor provides for you for at least 1-2 weeks to reduce neck soreness.
  • Don’t lift anything over 15 pounds or engage in strenuous exercise for several weeks.
  • Keep your incisions clean and dry.
  • Start physical therapy about 6 weeks post-op or as directed by Dr. Swiatek.

How Much Does Laminoplasty Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo?

Insurance typically covers laminoplasty. Cost may depend upon your insurance plan. Our billing department is available to answer any questions you may have.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, Dr. Peter Swiatek utilizes advanced skill and precision to treat diseases and disorders of the spine. He focuses on a wide range of concerns, including disc herniations, degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disease, trauma, tumors, and spinal deformity. Additionally, Dr. Swiatek offers transformative solutions for those who have previously experienced failed spine surgeries or revision spine procedures. ​

Dr. Swiatek tailors each surgical plan to your unique goals, choosing conservative options whenever possible. When surgery is the indicated next right step, he chooses evidence-backed interventions that support well-being, mobility, and a full return to an active lifestyle.​

Dedicated to patient safety, Dr. Swiatek relies on the latest cutting-edge technologies and treatment modalities, including robotics to increase surgical precision and motion-preservation (non-fusion) treatments. Dr Swiatek is apart of AAOS, NASS, and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

Training Background

Dr. Swiatek graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology. He then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, where he was included on the Dean’s commendation list for excellence in clinical skills.

Next, Dr. Swiatek pursued demanding orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, ranked as one of the nation’s most elite and renowned orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek embarked on a competitive spine surgery fellowship at the prestigious Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Laminoplasty FAQ’S

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

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