What is Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD®)
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD®) also called Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression (PILD)
It is an excellent and minimally invasive treatment for patients suffering from spinal stenosis symptoms, namely lower back pain with leg heaviness numbness and/or tingling with walking that improves with sitting.
How need MILD® Procedure
The MILD® procedure is recommended for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) caused by thickened ligaments that compress spinal nerves. It is ideal for those experiencing leg or back pain, numbness, or difficulty walking for long periods. Patients who have not achieved relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or epidural injections may benefit. This minimally invasive option is perfect for individuals seeking an alternative to open spine surgery, with quicker recovery and less risk. A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging like MRI, helps determine if MILD® is the right choice.
Benefits of The MILD® Procedure
The MILD® procedure has many advantages over other options for chronic lower back pain:
It’s minimally invasive our doctor makes a very small incision, causing no huge scars and no use of stiches. Because it’s minimally invasive, recovery is much quicker than with regular surgery.
It’s safe The MILD® procedure is a well-documented, FDA approved and safe procedure. Thousands of patients have had successful MILD surgery with a low documented complication rate.
No general anesthesia is needed There are risks associated with general anesthesia. You don’t need it for the MILD procedure. Sedation is provided for your comfort.
How need MILD® Procedure
The MILD® procedure, needle-like instruments are used to remove a portion of a thickened ligament in the back of the spinal column to increase spinal canal space and remove nerve root impingement. Only patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and a thickened ligament (“ligamentum flavum hypertrophy”) are candidates for this type of decompression.
During the procedure, your physician uses a fluoroscopy (X-Ray) machine to view your spine and identify the appropriate location for the procedure. She makes a tiny incision at the site of the stenosis. Using delicate instruments, she extracts tiny bits of bone and surplus ligament tissue and then closes the incision.
The procedure is minimally invasive and takes about an hour. It takes place in an outpatient setting usually a surgery center, and, in almost all cases, you may go home the same day of the procedure.
For more information about the MILD® procedure
Arthritis
The MILD® Procedure can provide lasting relief.
With a safety profile similar to an epidural steroid injection, MILD® restores space in the spinal canal to improve back and leg pain.
The MILD® Procedure Video for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) Treatment.
A minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, MILD® addresses a major root cause of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) to improve back and leg pain by removing excess ligament tissue to restore space in the spinal canal.
Can the MILD® procedure work for everyone with lumbar spinal stenosis?
Your physician will perform a thorough examination, review your medical history, and use appropriate test such as an MRI to determine the extent of your stenosis. Some individuals may not be candidates for the MILD procedure if the stenosis is severe. Your doctor will help you decide which treatments are best for you.
How soon can I resume my normal routine?
You should be able to resume normal daily activities in a few days. Refrain from heavy lifting or rigorous activities until your doctor gives you the ok with written instructions to follow.
You should feel relief once immediately after the procedure, as your nerves should once again have the proper amount of space between them and your bones, ligaments, and discs.
Return to the daily activites of your life, such as cooking a meal, taking a stroll in the park, or grocery shopping.
Clinical studies show that mild® is a Safe procedure that can help you stand longer & walk farther with less pain.
Safe Procedure
The MILD® procedure is designed to minimize risk and maximize patient safety. It is an outpatient procedure requiring no general anesthesia, stitches, or implants. The risk of complications is very low, making it a safe choice for eligible patients.
Low complication risk
No general anesthesia
Outpatient Procedure
No stiches or implants left behind
Significant Improvement
Patients undergoing the MILD® procedure often experience remarkable improvements in mobility and pain. Clinical studies show increased standing and walking abilities, along with substantial pain relief, contributing to a better quality of life.
Standing time increase
8
56 minutes 3
Walking distance increase
246
3,956 FEET
pain reduction
53%
References
Results may vary
Data based on average of responder group at 1 year from MiDAS I study.
Based on SPORT study.
Averages bsed on clinical data from Cleveland Clinic study.
