In medicine, Decompression refers to the removal or repositioning of any structure compressing any other structure. Common examples include decompressive craniectomy, and spinal decompression to relieve pressure on nerve roots.

What happens in decompression surgery?

The surgeon makes an incision (cut) over the affected section of spine down to the lamina (bony arch of your vertebra), to access the compressed nerve. The nerve will be pulled back towards the centre of the spinal column and part of the bone or ligament pressing on the nerve will be removed.

How successful is spinal decompression surgery?

The success rate for decompression spine surgery is high, with approximately 90% of patients experiencing good relief of the leg pain after the surgery.