The goal of the Mild® procedure is to relieve nerve compression in the lumbar spine caused by excess ligament growth and bone overgrowth. By carefully removing these obstructing tissues, the procedure creates more space for the spinal canal, reducing pressure on the nerves and alleviating pain, numbness, and difficulty walking.
Unlike traditional spinal surgeries, which may involve extensive tissue removal or fusion, Mild® focuses on minimally invasive decompression, making it a safer option for older adults or those with medical conditions that make major surgery risky. By restoring mobility and reducing pain, Mild® allows patients to return to daily activities without the need for long-term pain management or extensive rehabilitation.
While the Mild® procedure is effective for many patients, it is not suitable for all cases of spinal stenosis. Patients with severe spinal instability, large herniated discs, or significant structural deformities may require more extensive surgery.
Additionally, Mild® primarily targets ligament overgrowth, so if bone spurs, disc degeneration, or spondylolisthesis are the main sources of stenosis, the procedure may not provide complete relief. It is also not a cure for spinal stenosis, but rather a way to manage symptoms and improve function without major surgery. A thorough evaluation, including imaging tests, is necessary to determine if Mild® is the right treatment option.
Although Mild® is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure, like any medical intervention, it carries some potential complications. These risks are rare but may include:
Overall, the risk of complications is significantly lower compared to open spine surgery, making Mild® a safer option for many patients.
The Mild® procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. The steps include:
Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:
The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.
While Mild® is a specific technique, other minimally invasive spinal decompression procedures exist for treating lumbar spinal stenosis and related conditions:
Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific spinal condition, with Mild® offering a safe, effective alternative for those with ligament-related spinal stenosis.