Blogger: New Spinal Pain Relief Procedure Hits ELIH

Last summer, Mary F. could not take the pain any longer. The 79-year-old could barely walk due to the pain in her legs, nor could she stand for any length of time.

“The pain starts in my lower back and spreads to my legs," she said. “Sitting down is the only thing that helps."

A visit to the neurologist and an MRI of the Lumbar spine confirmed that Mary indeed had LSS, or Lumber spinal stenosis. LSS is caused by a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal exerting pressure on the spinal nerves. It is by far the most common spinal condition affecting the elderly today. A vascular study of Mary's legs was also done to eliminate poor circulation as the cause of Mary's pain. Poor circulation often mimics the symptoms of LSS.

For several weeks, Mary tried conservative measures. She tried a course of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines. They helped a little but hurt her stomach. She tried narcotic analgesic medicines. They helped a little but made her nauseous. In fact, Mary had tried almost every conservative treatment she could — including accupuncture. Again, these treatments only helped a little.

After a couple of months, conservative measures failed. Mary's neurologist referred her to a pain management specialist — Dr. Frank Adipietro Jr. at Eastern Long Island Hospital.

“I don't want to have major back surgery," Mary told Dr. Adipietro. “I'm scared to death!"

But when Dr. Adipietro told Mary about Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression, or the MILD procedure, it was music to her ears. MILD is an FDA-approved procedure that has recently become a viable alternative to open back surgery at Eastern Long Island Hospital.

“Many patients can experience immediate relief,” said Dr. Adipietro. ”After epidural steroid injections, it is the least invasive procedure we can do for this problem. Now I have a therapeutic alternative to offer my patients."

The MILD procedure is performed under light sedation and local anesthesia. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a specially designed tool is inserted through a small incision over the Lumbar spine. Pressure on the spinal nerves is released as extra tissue (ligament and bone) is removed from the spinal canal. The entire procedure takes less than an hour.

“I want you to try and do the things you could not do before, like walking," Dr. Adipietro told Mary as she left the hospital. And, several weeks later, Mary reported a significant reduction in pain and an increased mobility she did not have before.

“I'm not 100 percent, but I am certainly able to walk much easier than before," she said.

Many patients can be helped by this new procedure. Many have not had the opportunity that Mary had simply because they are unaware the MILD procedure exists. Some patients may eventually go on to require surgery, however they are often much improved after the MILD procedure because of their increased mobility and activity.

Call Eastern Long Island Hospital at 631-477-1000 for more information on the MILD procedure.