Percutaneous Lumbar Decompression
MILD® and LiFT-DV for lumbar spinal stenosis
What is lumbar spinal stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that compresses the nerves. A thickened ligamentum flavum, the ligament along the back of the spinal canal, is a leading cause.
Stenosis typically causes neurogenic claudication: pain, heaviness, numbness, or weakness in the legs and low back that worsens with standing or walking and eases with sitting or leaning forward, as on a shopping cart.
Relieving the pressure
Percutaneous decompression removes the thickened ligament and small amounts of bone that narrow the canal, giving the nerves more room.
Two minimally invasive approaches
MILD®
Performed through a portal about 5 mm wide under fluoroscopic guidance, using specialized instruments to remove excess ligament. No implant is left behind, and the small incision is usually closed with a bandage.
LiFT-DV
Performed through a small incision under fluoroscopic guidance with direct visualization from an integrated light source, allowing thickened ligament and small amounts of bone to be removed under direct view.
Same-day procedures
Both are typically performed as outpatient procedures with local anesthetic and sedation, without general anesthesia.
Not a replacement for open surgery
These procedures target thickened ligament. They are not substitutes for laminectomy or fusion when those are needed, such as for spinal instability or severe bony narrowing.
What to expect
Before your procedure
Your physician confirms the diagnosis with your history, exam, and MRI or CT, and asks how far you can stand and walk before needing to rest.
During your procedure
The procedure typically takes less than an hour, with local anesthetic and sedation and imaging guidance throughout.
After your procedure
Most patients go home the same day and begin a gradual walking program. We'll check your progress at about 2 weeks and 4 to 6 weeks, looking at how long you can stand and walk.
Is percutaneous lumbar decompression right for you?
It may be an option if:
- You have leg or back pain with standing or walking that eases when you sit or lean forward
- Your imaging shows lumbar spinal stenosis with a thickened ligamentum flavum
- Physical therapy, medications, or epidural injections haven't provided lasting relief, or you aren't a candidate for open spine surgery
Our physicians will review your symptoms, exam, and imaging to determine whether this treatment is a good fit for you.
Risks
Risks include temporary soreness, bleeding, infection, a dural tear (spinal fluid leak), nerve injury, and the possibility that symptoms are not fully relieved. Your physician will review the risks with you before your procedure. Individual results vary.
mild® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Images courtesy of Stryker.