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Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists

Treatments · The Woodlands & Liberty, TX

MILD® Procedure

The MILD® procedure (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) treats lumbar spinal stenosis through a tiny opening, with no general anesthesia, no implants and no stitches. It helps people stand and walk longer with less pain.

Available inThe Woodlands, TX&Liberty, TX

Overview

What is the MILD® procedure?

In lumbar spinal stenosis, a thick ligament in the back of the spinal canal presses on the nerves. This causes pain, heaviness and numbness in the back and legs, especially when standing or walking.

During MILD, Dr. Khoury uses X-ray guidance and small tools through a port the size of a baby aspirin to remove small pieces of the thickened ligament. This makes more space for the nerves.

MILD® Procedure is available at our offices in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX, performed by board-certified specialists who explain every step before you decide.

Request an appointment281-868-7246

Is it right for you

Who is a candidate?

MILD is designed for people with lumbar spinal stenosis caused by a thickened ligament, confirmed on MRI or CT.

Conditions treated

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Neurogenic claudication
  • Thickened ligamentum flavum

Common symptoms

  • Leg pain when standing or walking
  • Need to sit or lean forward for relief
  • Heaviness or weakness in the legs
  • Lower back pain that limits activity

Benefits

What are the benefits?

MILD treats a main cause of stenosis while keeping the spine stable and leaving future options open.

  • Tiny incision

    Done through a port about 5 mm wide, with no stitches.

  • No implants

    Nothing is left behind in your spine.

  • Fast recovery

    Most patients go home the same day and walk soon after.

  • Stand and walk longer

    Most patients report they can stand and walk longer with less pain.

Recovery

What is recovery like?

Recovery is quick because no muscles are cut and no hardware is placed.

  1. 01/Same day

    Walk and go home

    You go home a few hours after the procedure with a small bandage.

  2. 02/1 to 2 weeks

    Light activity

    Avoid heavy lifting for a short time. Walking is encouraged.

  3. 03/Months after

    Lasting results

    Studies show relief that lasts for years in many patients.

Safety

Is MILD safe?

MILD has a strong safety record in clinical studies, with no major device-related complications reported. Because it avoids general anesthesia and implants, it can be a good choice for older adults or people with other health conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is MILD surgery?

It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure done through a very small port. No general anesthesia and no stitches are needed.

How do I know if I have the right kind of stenosis?

Dr. Khoury reviews your MRI or CT to measure the ligament and see if MILD fits your anatomy.

Does it rule out other treatments later?

No. MILD leaves the spine stable, so other treatments remain possible.

Near you

MILD® Procedure in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX

Looking for MILD® procedure near you? Our board-certified team sees patients at two offices in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX, serving The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe and north Houston, and Liberty, Dayton, Cleveland and east of Houston.

Request an appointment281-868-7246

Other treatments

More ways we treat pain.