Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

MILD Procedure

The MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) procedure treats lumbar spinal stenosis by removing small amounts of excess bone and thickened ligament tissue through a tiny incision, creating more space in the spinal canal without the need for implants, general anesthesia, or major surgery.

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Conceptual illustration

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Medically reviewed by Joshua L. Hare, DO, Founder & Medical Director

Updated September 2026

Conditions Treated

Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

Back Pain

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The treatment explained

How It Works

Through a single small incision (about the size of a baby aspirin), specialized instruments are used to remove portions of thickened ligamentum flavum and small bone fragments that are compressing the spinal canal. No implants, stitches, or general anesthesia required.

Conceptual illustration: Lumbar canal cutaway highlighting thickened ligament tissue

Treatment day

What to Expect

Under an hour, outpatient procedure. Performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation. Incision is typically closed with a single adhesive strip.

Afterward

Recovery

Resume light activities within 24 hours. Many patients notice improved walking ability within days. Full benefit develops over 2-6 weeks.

Duration of Relief

In the MiDAS ENCORE randomized trial (Staats et al., Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2018), improvement in pain and function was sustained through 2 years.[1] The decompressed tissue does not typically regrow.

The MILD procedure takes under an hour and the incision usually closes with a single adhesive strip. It is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, and the decompressed tissue does not typically regrow. If lumbar spinal stenosis is limiting how far you can walk, request an appointment to ask whether the MILD procedure is an option for you. Request an appointment

References

Clinical sources for this page.

Staats PS, Chafin TB, Golovac S, et al. Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Procedure for the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Neurogenic Claudication: 2-Year Results of MiDAS ENCORE. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2018;43(7):789-794. Back to first citation ↑

Five clinics

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Our fellowship-trained physicians are accepting new patients at five clinics: Dalton, Ringgold, Cleveland, Farragut and Oak Ridge.

Request a callback Call (706) 847-0826