An estimated 400,000 Americans suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis, and treatment cost is estimated at $100 billion a year, according to the report. The MILD procedure, using instruments developed by Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based Vertos Medical, is appropriate for patients who are not good candidates for major surgery or younger patients who do not want to undergo spinal fusion.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the lamina and ligament flavum to create space in the spinal canal. The Vertos Medical instrument set includes a 5.1-mm portal, portal stabilizer, depth guide and tissue sculptor.
Read the MD News report on the minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure.
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
– Study: Treating Severe Spinal Deformity Should Have a Multidisciplinary Approach
– South Nassau Communities Hospital Spine Surgeon Now Using New Bone Augmentation Material
