MILD Procedure
More room for the nerves, without implants or open surgery.

People with lumbar spinal stenosis who get leg pain, heaviness or numbness when standing or walking that eases with sitting or leaning forward (neurogenic claudication), when imaging shows a thickened ligamentum flavum.

Through a small portal and with X-ray guidance, specialized tools remove small portions of the thickened ligament. No implants or stitches are typically needed, and patients usually go home the same day.

In the MOTION randomized trial, patients treated with MILD plus conventional care improved more in walking and pain than those with conventional care alone. Results vary, and MILD does not treat every cause of stenosis.

Risks are uncommon but include bleeding, infection, a dural tear and nerve irritation.