Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. MILD Procedure
2:04
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
6. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
7. Facet Joint Fusion
1:48
8. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Interspinous Fusion (midline or lateral approach)
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
3. Bracing
1:30
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
MILD Procedure
1746872118
The MILD Procedure (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in patients experiencing claudication symptoms—pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs when standing or walking. It is typically recommended for mild to moderate spinal stenosis, though in rare cases, it may be considered for severe stenosis.
A small incision (about 6 mm) is made in the lower back, and special tools are used to remove diseased portions of the thickened ligamentum flavum and perform a laminotomy, which removes small areas of bone overgrowth contributing to nerve compression. Ligamentum flavum thickening of 2.5 mm or greater is considered abnormal. By addressing both the ligament and bone, this procedure relieves pressure on the spinal nerves. It is typically considered after conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, bracing, and epidural injections, have failed.
The procedure takes less than an hour and is performed under local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation for comfort.
Most patients go home the same day and can resume normal activities within 24 hours. Recovery is quick, and stitches are often not needed due to the tiny incision size. Studies show that MILD significantly reduces pain and improves standing and walking ability, focusing on functional improvement.
Alternative treatments include physical therapy, medications, epidural injections, or traditional surgeries. However, these options may have longer recovery times or provide less sustained relief compared to MILD.
Risks are minimal, with a low complication rate similar to other minor procedures. Rare risks include bleeding or infection.
Before proceeding, an MRI or CT scan is required to confirm if MILD is the right treatment for you.
Our team is here to guide you toward the best treatment for your condition.
FAQs
How long does recovery take following the MILD Procedure?
Recovery from the MILD Procedure is generally swift, with most patients being discharged the same day and able to resume normal activities within 24 hours. The procedure is designed to provide lasting pain relief and improve mobility, with studies showing significant improvements in standing and walking abilities. A recommended at-home physical therapy regimen may further enhance recovery.
What are the benefits of the MILD Procedure compared to traditional treatments?
The MILD Procedure offers several benefits over traditional treatments, including a less invasive approach, quicker recovery time, and less pain post-procedure. Unlike more invasive surgeries like laminectomy or spinal fusion, MILD doesn't involve significant alterations to spinal structures, thereby allowing patients to resume normal activities within 24 hours.
What are the risks associated with the MILD Procedure?
The MILD Procedure has a low complication rate, similar to minor outpatient procedures. Rare risks include bleeding, infection, or transient nerve irritation. There have been no reported serious adverse events in clinical trials. The procedure avoids the use of general anesthesia, reducing related risks, especially in older patients or those with multiple health issues.
What is the MILD Procedure?
The MILD Procedure, or Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, is a non-surgical, outpatient treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). It aims to alleviate symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs caused by nerve compression due to thickened ligamentum flavum and bone overgrowth. This is achieved by making a small incision in the lower back to remove the diseased tissue and bone.
Who is considered a candidate for the MILD Procedure?
Candidates for the MILD Procedure typically have mild to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis with claudication symptoms. This procedure is usually considered when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or epidural injections have not provided adequate relief. Confirmatory imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, is required to determine candidacy.