Post-laminectomy syndrome refers to the persistence of pain and disability following laminectomy. Laminectomy is a type of back surgery performed to relieve nerve compression or nerve root injury in the spine caused by disc herniation or spinal canal narrowing related to degenerative changes. The spinal canal is formed by the posterior portion of the vertebrae that surround the spinal cord and protect and confine the spinal nerves. A disc herniation or spinal stenosis may occur and cause pressure on the spinal cord and/or one or more spinal nerve roots.
Symptoms:
Chronic back pain after surgery
Radiating arm pain
Loss of ROM in the back
Abnormal sensibility may include sharp, pricking, and stabbing pain in the extremities
Causes:
Poor patient selection
Nerve root injury at the time of surgery
Delayed surgery
Infection in the disc space or epidural space
Unrecognized lateral spinal stenosis or instability
