Question

which surgical procedure removes part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve?
a cerebrospinal fluid shunt
b laminectomy
c carotid endarterectomy
d nerve block

Explanation:

• A. Cerebrospinal fluid shunt: This procedure is used to redirect cerebrospinal fluid, typically to treat hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain), not to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve by removing part of a vertebra.
• B. Laminectomy: In a laminectomy, part of the vertebral lamina (a part of the vertebra) is removed. This is done to create more space for the spinal nerve, thereby relieving pressure on it.
• C. Carotid endarterectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries (in the neck). It is related to improving blood flow to the brain, not spinal nerve decompression.
• D. Nerve block: A nerve block involves injecting medication (such as a local anesthetic) near a nerve. It is a non - surgical (or minimally invasive in some injection techniques) way to block pain signals from a nerve, not a surgical removal of vertebral bone.

Answer:

B. laminectomy