Spinal decompression surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by stenosis, herniated discs, or bone spurs. The goal is to create more space, reduce compression, and eliminate pain, numbness, or weakness. Dr. Cho performs decompression using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Dr. Cho removes the structures compressing the nerves — bone, thickened ligaments, disc material, or bone spurs — to restore space in the spinal canal. MIS techniques are used whenever appropriate. If the spine is unstable or decompression creates instability risk, fusion with instrumentation is performed at the same time. All surgical planning is based on careful review of imaging and clinical findings.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and stability, decompression may be performed alone or combined with fusion for added support. A lumbar laminectomy — removal of a portion of the lamina (the bony roof of the spinal canal) — is the gold standard surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis.
A broader category of procedures that relieve nerve or spinal cord compression. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and stability, decompression may be performed alone or combined with fusion for added support.
Dr. Cho removes the structures compressing the nerves — disc material, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. If the spine is unstable or decompression creates instability risk, fusion with instrumentation is performed at the same time.
