CPT® Code 63045

Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; cervical

Laminectomy, also known as lamina excision, is a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating back pain by relieving pressure on the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, and/or cauda equina. The lamina is a bony structure that forms the posterior part of the vertebral arch, and its removal is essential for accessing the underlying structures of the spine. This procedure is particularly indicated for conditions such as spinal or lateral recess stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root openings occurs, leading to compression of neural elements. During the surgery, a posterior skin incision is made over the affected spinal area, allowing the surgeon to retract the overlying fat and muscle to expose the lamina. The excision of the lamina, along with the paired ligaments known as ligamentum flavum, facilitates inspection of the superior and inferior articular facets and the pars interarticularis. The procedure also involves exploring the openings under the facet joints to decompress the nerve roots, enlarging the intervertebral foramen to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and lysing any adhesions between the dura mater and ligamentum flavum. Ultimately, laminectomy, facetectomy, and foraminotomy performed at a single vertebral segment in the cervical spine is reported with CPT® code 63045, while similar procedures in the thoracic and lumbar regions are reported with codes 63046 and 63047, respectively. Additional segments are reported with code 63048.