This procedure corrects the spinal condition caused by spondylolisthesis, in which weekend joints or fractured bones allow a vertebrae to slip forward and pinch a nerve root. The pinched nerve can cause pain to radiate down to the legs and feet through the sciatic nerve. The lamina (the portion of the vertebrae that covers the spinal cord is removed.

Removing the lamina relieves pressure and pain. Any bone that may be pinching the nerve root is cleared away. Bone grafts are added to the sides of the spine. The grafted bone will fuse to the spine, forming a bone. Rods are secured to the spine with screws to hold the spine and discs in place while the gratfs heal. Over time, the bone will fuse into place, keeping the discs from slipping.