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.