Laminotomy Recovery?

Posted by iso7bel @iso7bel, Aug 30, 2025

Hello! I am scheduled for a Laminotomy to relive the symptoms of numbness & intense heat in my pelvic area and left leg (cauda equina syndrome). I am over 70, have stenosis, scoliosis and osteoporosis and am fairly active: swim, Pilates, weights machines, elypical machine. I used to walk for an hour a day, but my symptoms are making that difficult. Has anyone had a laminotomy? How long is the recovery? Any info or tips would be helpful! Thank you.

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iso7bel | @iso7bel | Aug 30, 2025

Hello Sherry, thanks for your response. I do not know the degree of scoliosis. But, I was actually doing fine, doing regular PT and strrength training until these new stmptoms of cauda equina began. The surgeon thinks that it the stenosis that is causing the symptoms. The laminotomy is to give me some relief without risking bone fracture due to the osteoporosis.
Best

otter6902 | @otter6902 | May 28 7:37pm

In reply to @annie1 "Looking for anyone to share their experience after a Laminotomy which is different than a Laminectomy.Thanks" + (show)

I've had a spinal stenosis for five years. My MRI shows that it's getting worse. Pain is sporadic. No loss and strength thus far. My doctor tells me I'm a candidate for a laminotomy He said that post laminotomy that it's usually 4 to 7 years out from a fusion. But not always. My father had a laminectomy in the 90s and he lived to be in his 80s without a fusion. Is there anybody out there that had a la anatomy in the past and has been able to go decades without needing another surgery?

annie1 | @annie1 | May 28 9:58pm

In reply to @otter6902 "I've had a spinal stenosis for five years. My MRI shows that it's getting worse. Pain..." + (show)

@otter6902
I wish the answer was yes, however I was dismally disappointed. I had a laminotomy with supposedly one of the best neurosurgeons in NYC but after two and a half months the symptoms came back and he actually caused me to have a pars fracture. But I have osteoporosis, so maybe that played into it. That was two years two months ago and all the surgeons I went to all are saying I need fusion. But if your spine is strong/no osteoporosis, maybe you will have success. I know someone else who had a successful laminectomy with no fusion.

jennirdh | @jennirdh | May 29 7:19am

In reply to @dbrdiana "Has anyone had a Laminotomy to relieve pain on the spine??? Was it successful?" + (show)

@dbrdiana yes I had a laminotomy of L3&4 on 12/30/25, for decompression of the spinal nerves caused by severe stenosis, which in turn was caused by compression fractures due to osteoporosis. It’s only been five months but the horrible debilitating nerve pain is gone and has stayed gone so far! The first neurosurgeon I went to was going to do full laminectomies of 3, 4, and possibly 5, but that scared me as too aggressive, and my second opinion neurosurgeon said we can always do more if necessary but let’s start out with laminotomies and see how you do. So glad I did that. I also have been on Tymlos for 18 months for my osteoporosis and I go to Osteostrong once a week. I feel so much better that I have to remind myself to be careful of what I do! I am a 68 yo female.