Laminectomy
Definition
A surgical procedure removing part or all of the lamina (the posterior arch of a vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other compressive pathology. Laminectomy is commonly performed in workers' compensation spinal injury cases and affects DRE impairment categorization.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Laminectomy?
A surgical procedure removing part or all of the lamina (the posterior arch of a vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other compressive pathology. Laminectomy is commonly performed in workers' compensation spinal injury cases and affects DRE impairment categorization.
Is laminectomy covered under workers' compensation in California?
Laminectomy may be authorized as part of a workers' compensation treatment plan in California, subject to utilization review (UR) and the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS). The primary treating physician must request authorization through the appropriate channels.