The MILD procedure is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression option for selected patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication.
MILD is designed to increase space in the lumbar spinal canal by removing small portions of lamina and debulking hypertrophied ligamentum flavum through a small percutaneous access. It is intended for a specific stenosis pattern and is not a treatment for every cause of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Candidacy depends on the diagnosis, prior treatment, examination, imaging when appropriate, medical history, and the expected risk-benefit profile.
Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication
Leg pain, heaviness, or numbness worsened by standing or walking
Imaging demonstrating an appropriate decompression target such as hypertrophied ligamentum flavum
Persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative care
Confirm the clinical pattern of neurogenic claudication
Review MRI or CT for the location and mechanism of stenosis
Percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression
Post-procedure activity progression
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, dural puncture, nerve injury, temporary worsening of pain, inadequate decompression or symptom relief, and the possibility that future spine treatment may still be needed.
Results vary, and no procedure can guarantee pain relief or functional improvement.