Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is a safe, effective outpatient spine procedure to treat lumbar spinal stenosis by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves due to thickened ligaments.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is a targeted treatment to reduce the size of a ligament (ligamentum flavum) that has overgrown and is causing symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling due to nerve compression.
Common Indications:
– Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)
Caused by ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (confirmed on MRI or CT)
Typically leads to central canal narrowing
– Neurogenic Claudication
Pain, numbness, or heaviness in the buttocks and legs with walking or standing
Relieved by sitting or spinal flexion (classic symptom pattern)
– Patients Who Are Not Surgical Candidates
Advanced age or multiple comorbidities that make open surgery or general anesthesia high risk. MILD can be done under local anesthesia and sedation.
After making a small incision in the back (smaller than the size of a baby aspirin), and with the aid of fluoroscopy, a specialized medical instrument known as a port is inserted along your back to reach the ligamentum flavum and remove the excess growth from the spinal canal. This treatment reduces the compression on your nerves, decreasing pain and restoring mobility.
The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a minimally invasive lumbar decompression is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.
-Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, warfarin):
You will need to stop them before the procedure to reduce bleeding risk. Only do this under medical supervision.
– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression is usually performed in under 20 minutes per level treated with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort and stiffness at the site, which typically improves with rest and ice. We recommend our patients go home and relax, however activity as tolerated will not undo the procedure. The recovery period is minimal, and you can resume all normal activities the following day. Most patients notice an improvement in a little as 2-4 weeks.