LSS stands for lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. This can put pressure on the nerves that control movement and sensation in the legs, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking or standing.
The mild® procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option for LSS patients who have not found relief from conservative therapies such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. The mild® procedure for LSS patients uses specialized instruments to remove small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue that are causing the spinal canal narrowing. The procedure is done through a tiny incision in the back, with no stitches or general anesthesia required. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and patients can go home the same day.
What are the Benefits of the mild® Procedure?
The mild® procedure has been shown to provide significant and lasting improvement in pain and function for LSS patients. According to a clinical study published in the Journal of Neuro Interventional Surgery, patients who underwent the mild® procedure experienced:
– A 58% reduction in pain at one year
– A 53% improvement in physical function at one year
– A 79% decrease in opioid use at one year
– A low complication rate of 1.3%
The mild® procedure also has several advantages over more invasive surgical options for LSS, such as laminectomy or fusion. These include:
– Less risk of infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or spinal instability
– Faster recovery time and less post-operative pain
– No need for implants, hardware, or bone grafts
– No impact on future treatment options
Who is a Good Candidate for the mild® Procedure?
The mild® procedure is designed for LSS patients who have:
– Moderate to severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities and quality of life
– A diagnosis of central canal stenosis caused by ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (thickening of a ligament in the spine)
– Failed to respond to conservative treatments for at least six months
The mild® procedure is not suitable for patients who have:
– Other causes of spinal stenosis, such as disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, or scoliosis
– Severe spinal deformity or instability
– Active infection or bleeding disorder
– Allergy to contrast dye
To find out if you are a good candidate for the mild® procedure, you should consult with your doctor and undergo a thorough evaluation. Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to confirm your diagnosis and determine the severity and location of your spinal stenosis.
How to Prepare for the mild® Procedure?
If you decide to have the mild® procedure, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for it. Some general guidelines include:
– Stop taking any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel at least one week before the procedure
– Inform your doctor of any allergies or medical conditions you have
– Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure
– Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
What to Expect During and After the mild® Procedure?
The mild® procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, such as a hospital or surgery center. You will be given local anesthesia and sedation to numb your back and make you comfortable. You will also receive an intravenous (IV) line to deliver fluids and medications.
Your doctor will use fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) to guide a thin tube called a cannula through a small incision in your back. Through this cannula, your doctor will insert specialized instruments that can cut and remove small pieces of bone and ligament tissue from your spine. The removed tissue will be collected in a device attached to the cannula.
The procedure usually takes less than an hour and does not require any stitches. After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. You will be able to walk shortly after the procedure and go home the same day.
You may experience some soreness or bruising at the incision site for a few days after the procedure. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease any discomfort. You should avoid any strenuous activities such as lifting, bending, or twisting for at least two weeks after the procedure. You should also avoid driving until you are cleared by your doctor.
You will need to follow up with your doctor regularly after the procedure to monitor your progress and recovery. You may also benefit from physical therapy or other rehabilitation programs to improve your strength and mobility.
Conclusion
The mild® procedure is a safe and effective treatment option for LSS patients who have not found relief from conservative therapies. The procedure can reduce pain and improve function by removing excess tissue that causes spinal canal narrowing. The procedure is minimally invasive and has a low complication rate and fast recovery time. If you suffer from LSS and want to learn more about the mild® procedure, talk to your doctor today.