Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is also known as minimally invasive lumbar micro-decompression or percutaneous lumbar decompression.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is primarily a treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Spinal stenosis causes a narrowing of the spinal canal, which then compresses the nerves and causes back pain or sciatica pain. This procedure is performed to relieve some of that pressure and take away or at least reduce the pain. MILD might be considered for those who do not do well under general anesthesia or might not be able to tolerate going through a more invasive open spinal surgery. It is a common procedure and is considered to be very safe.
Spinal stenosis is specifically the narrowing of the space of the spinal canal, which contains the spinal nerves. It can happen in any part of the spine, but most often occurs in the neck and the lower back. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the name for the type of stenosis that is present in the lower back and the lumbar area is made up of five lumbar vertebrae, which form part of the canal. When this area becomes compressed it will push against the nerves and trigger pain signals to be sent through the central nervous system and into the brain.
Spinal stenosis is actually, usually the result of a degenerative disease called osteoarthritis. Both tend to occur in older age, as there is a natural, gradual wear and tear on the body and joints. Osteoarthritis tends to set in around 50 or older and spinal stenosis may follow afterwards. Other causes of spinal stenosis include bone spurs, herniated discs, tumors, and injuries.
While some people may not actually experience any pain associated with spinal stenosis, many will have some sort of symptoms. Symptoms do tend to vary depending on whether the condition is present in the cervical spine or lumbar spine.
Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis can be:
-Pain in the lower back
-Sciatica pain, which can start in the lower back and often radiates down the legs. Sciatica generally occurs on one side of the body
-Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
-Cramping or tingling in the legs or feet. This can occur if you have been standing or walking for long periods of time and will typically dissipate when you sit down or rest your body
-Loss of bladder or bowel control. This is an indication of a serious medical issue and needs immediate medical attention.
Before the procedure begins the patient is brought to the room, where the surgery will be performed, and the area of the back where the pain is located will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area. X-rays will be used to mark the exact spot where the doctor will be working.
The patient will be lying face down on the operating table and a small incision will be made. The incision is only about one inch or less and multiple tubes are inserted through the incision in order to open up the space around the muscles and provide access to the spine. A final tube, which is only the size of a dime or nickel, is inserted so that specialized tools can then be used to correct the problem by removing any excess bone tissue or ligaments that are pressing against the nerves. This will relieve the pressure against the nerve and eliminate or significantly reduce back pain.
After the procedure is completed, all of the tools and tubes are removed and the small incision is closed and bandaged. The whole process should only take an hour. The patient is then taken to a recovery room to stay for another hour before being discharged.
When you are ready to go home you will most likely need some pain medication or a muscle relaxer in case of any post-operative pain or muscle spasms you may experience during the healing process. Please do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you take any pain medication. Your dressing will be able to be removed a few days to about a week after the procedure. You should also be able to resume normal activities and return to work around this time. However, it is advised to rest and restrict activities to light movements for the first few days or until the area of the procedure has healed completely.
Even with restricted movement, it is encouraged to move enough to keep the muscles from becoming stiff but avoid excessive bending or twisting. Also, avoid lifting heavy objects until the area is healed.
Resources:
Learn more about minimally invasive lumbar decompression: painandspinespecialists.com/t...
Schedule an appointment online:
painandspinespecialists.com/s...