Cervical spinal stenosis can compress the spinal cord from the posterior direction, particularly in cases of thickened ligamentum flavum, facet hypertrophy, or congenital narrowing. Posterior decompression through limited laminectomy provides an effective treatment by removing specific portions of the lamina and ligaments, compressing neural structures. This targeted approach preserves stability while providing effective relief of neurological symptoms.
The robotic approach to posterior cervical laminectomy begins with prone patient positioning and careful registration of the robotic system to the patient's anatomy. A detailed 3D map is created, allowing the surgeon to plan the exact extent of bone removal needed. The robotic arm guides precise bone resection, identifying the exact margins of laminectomy required for adequate decompression while preserving facet joints when possible to maintain stability. This precision is particularly valuable at the cervicothoracic junction, where anatomical landmarks can be challenging to visualise.
The targeted nature of robotically guided decompression potentially preserves more midline structures compared to traditional techniques, reducing the risk of postoperative kyphosis while still achieving complete decompression of neural elements. This balanced approach addresses pathology while minimising the risk of creating new biomechanical problems.
