Least Invasive Surgical Procedure for Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Frankfort Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Kentucky to offer mild® (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression), a new, safe and effective alternative that is the least invasive surgical procedure for treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS).* Dr. Richard Lingreen performs the procedure, which leaves no implants behind. Usually performed on an outpatient basis, mild® allows most patients to go home the same day and resume normal activities within days.

More than 1.5 million Americans suffer from chronic pain and immobility caused by LSS, a degenerative, age-related narrowing of the lower spinal canal that causes pressure on the nerves. The prevalence of LSS is predicted to increase even further with the aging of the Baby Boomer population.

Many address their LSS symptoms with either pain medications or steroid injections, but these treatments either eventually stop working or just wear off. For years, the next line of treatment for LSS has been lumbar spine decompression surgery involving the insertion of artificial implants (interspinous spacers), removal of portions of the vertebrae and attached ligaments (laminectomy), and/or fusion of the spine. Now, patients have a significantly less invasive surgical option with mild.

"Before the mild procedure, I could barely get out of bed in the morning and make it to the couch due to the pain," said Leona Barnes of Frankfort. "Now, I'm able to work in my garden and play with my grandchildren - pain free. I didn't want to undergo traditional back surgery, and with the mild procedure, I was able to stand and walk with significant less pain the same day of my procedure - all from the comfort of my home."

Learn more about Leona's story and mild® that aired on WTVQ-36

Developed to treat LSS patients earlier in the treatment continuum, mild® may be appropriate for those who are no longer responding to physical therapy, pain medications and/or steroid injections but who do not want to undergo more invasive lumbar spine decompression surgeries. These surgeries often involve weeks or months of recovery time, and involve leaving artificial implants or other hardware behind, which may deteriorate or fracture.

For more information on mild® at Frankfort Regional Medical Center, or to schedule a consultation, please call 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). Additional information is also available at www.vertosmed.com.

See How mild® Works

* Vertos mild® is FDA market cleared for treating central canal stenosis of the lumbar spine.