Laminectomy performed using a micro bone saw

In 154 clinical cases requiring laminectomy at any part of the spinal column, the laminae were removed using a micro bone saw. Immediately after the laminectomy two surgeons using a microscope examined the field for any damage to the dura, the spinal cord, the nerve roots and the epidural vessels. No injury to the spinal cord or the nerve roots was observed. In 5 patients the dura were lacerated for a length of up to 10 mm, and in all the patients adhesions were present due to previous operations. Epidural vessels were severed in 18 cases. The method is useful and less time-consuming than conventional laminectomy.