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206 Section III: Spinal Procedures

A A B

C D

B

Figure 24.2 Illustration of (A) Funkquist A, (B) Funkquist B, (C) modified,
and (D) deep dorsal laminectomies. See text for details. Source: illustration
by Andy Shores.

A

Figure 24.1 To limit the possibility of a laminectomy membrane, (A) syn-
thetic nonabsorbable #1 or #2 suture material in a figure‐of‐eight pattern or
(B) a preserved supraspinous ligament (arrow) is used to span the length of
the dorsal laminectomy by attachment to the nearest cranial and caudal
spinous processes. The muscle is sutured over the figure‐of‐eight suture or
ligament. In (A) the spinal cord is protected with sheets of a gelatin sponge,
and in (B) with an autogenous free fat graft.

supraspinous ligament can be preserved and reattached at the end
of the procedure to span the defect (Figure 24.1). The suture is
placed either around the spinous processes or through a small B
hole that is made in the spinous processes cranial and caudal to
the laminectomy site [3,12]. The fascia and epaxial muscles are
closed with absorbable suture in a simple continuous pattern over
the spanning suture [3,12]. Closure of the subcutaneous tissue and
skin is in routine fashion.

Classification of Dorsal Laminectomies

Funkquist A Method
Funkquist A dorsal laminectomy involves removal of the spinous
process, cranial and caudal articular processes, dorsal laminae, and
pedicle to the appropriate height, usually to the level of the spinal
cord (Figure 24.2A) [13–15].

Funkquist B Method
Funkquist B dorsal laminectomy involves removal of the spinous
process and dorsal lamina. Both cranial and caudal articular pro-
cesses are preserved. This technique allows limited access to the
vertebral canal (Figure 24.2B) [13–15].

Modified Dorsal Laminectomy
The modified dorsal laminectomy, the most commonly used Figure 24.3 (A) Lateral and (B) ventrodorsal radiographs after T11–T12
technique, involves the removal of an amount of lamina intermedi- dorsal laminectomy with stabilization in a Chinese Pug with constrictive
ate between Funkquist A and Funkquist B, with preservation of the myelopathy.