In which procedure is only one side of the lamina removed?

The procedure in which only one side of the lamina is removed is known as hemilaminectomy. This surgical approach typically involves the removal of half of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra that protects the spinal cord and nerves. Hemilaminectomy is often performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots due to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors.

In contrast, laminotomy refers to making an opening in the lamina, but not necessarily removing it, while laminectomy involves the complete removal of the entire lamina from one or more vertebrae. Laminaplasty, on the other hand, is a procedure intended for decompression of the spinal cord, wherein the lamina is modified or reshaped rather than fully removed. Each of these options represents different surgical strategies related to the lamina, but hemilaminectomy specifically focuses on the removal of one side, making it the correct choice for this question.