Cervical laminoplasty is a surgical procedure done by neurosurgeons or orthopedic spine surgeons for cervical spinal canal stenosis. The procedure is performed by opening the spinal canal to allow more room for the spinal cord while leaving the ligaments of the spine intact. There are many different techniques for laminoplasty. Dr. Dusty Richardson of the University of Colorado has invented a laminoplasty system that increases the safety of the most dangerous part of the procedure (elevation of the lamina) by using a series of progressively enlarging cams. These cams provide the surgeon with a mechanical advantage that allows for safer distraction of the lamina.