Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is a novel surgical technique and minimally invasive surgery to treat patients with moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which is a condition where the spinal canal becomes narrow in the lumbar portion of the spine (lower back), resulting in severe low back pain and radiating pain into the legs. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson, a trusted spine surgeon, provides personalized nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a wide range of spine conditions in Dallas, including minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy and lumbar discectomy. He also provides specialized aftercare for patients to help them regain mobility and maintain spinal health. Contact Dr. Simpson for a minimally invasive lumbar decompression Dallas appointment today.
What is the MILD® Procedure?
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression or MILD® is a procedure developed by Vertos Medical to treat lumbar spinal stenosis by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a degenerative disease that usually occurs after the age of 50. It causes narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal and compression of the spinal nerves and nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This can occur due to overgrowth of the vertebral joints and ligaments, bone spurs, or bulging of a vertebral disc.
Lumbar spinal stenosis can result in:
- Pain in the leg, buttock, and groin region, often radiating into the lower extremities
- Weakness, stiffness, cramping, or numbness in the legs and buttocks, sometimes accompanied by leg pain
Those with lumbar spinal stenosis have difficulty walking or standing, but get relief when sitting down, which causes flexion of the spine and reduces pressure on the compressed area of the spinal canal.
Benefits of the MILD® Procedure
Mild cases of lumbar spinal stenosis may be treated by conservative therapy, including pain medications. Severe cases are usually treated by a spinal surgery procedure called a laminectomy, which involves removal of the laminar bone, which overlies the back of the spinal cord. The MILD® procedure, a minimally invasive technique, overcomes the drawbacks of a regular laminectomy, which includes a larger incision, more blood loss, greater tissue trauma to soft tissues and surrounding structures, scarring, spinal instability, and a longer recovery time.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for the MILD® Procedure?
The MILD® procedure is ideal in the following cases:
- You have not got adequate relief from conservative treatments, including rest, medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections, and prefer a minimally invasive surgery with a lower risk of complications
- You do not wish to undergo invasive spine surgery, or it is not recommended due to health reasons.
What does the MILD® Procedure Involve?
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting by an experienced minimally invasive lumbar decompression doctor in Dallas. You will receive sedation and local anesthesia for your comfort. The site of stenosis is previously identified with the help of an MRI or CT scan.
You will lie face down for the procedure under general anesthesia. A thin portal is inserted by your minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgeon in Dallas through the skin of the back of the spine via small incisions with the help of a trocar and guided to the appropriate surgical site under fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging). Specially designed instruments, including a tubular retractor, inserted through the portal, are used to carry out the minimally invasive surgical procedure. Part of the laminar bone at the site of stenosis is removed (laminotomy), similar to the procedure called laminectomy. The ligament flavum, which supports the laminar bone, is partly excised along with fatty tissue. This relieves pressure on the spinal nerves with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, enabling faster recovery for most patients. Imaging studies are used by your minimally invasive lumbar decompression specialist in Dallas to verify decompression of the spinal canal. The portal is then removed, and the skin is closed with a bandage.
Recovery Following the Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Dallas Procedure (MILD®)
Following the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you are observed for about 2 hours. You will then be allowed to walk and may be discharged to home. Following this, a gradual advance in activities is recommended.
