SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
(Sparks, Nev.) – Northern Nevada Medical Center recently introduced a new, image-guided procedure, mild®, that provides relief for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The procedure was performed for the first time in northern Nevada by Lisa Pitino, DO., a pain management and rehabilitation physician from SpineNevada, a comprehensive spine center located in Reno and Sparks.
LSS is the degenerative narrowing of the lower spinal canal, which causes pressure on the nerves and leads to immobility. As this space in the lower spinal canal shrinks, increasing pressure is placed on the nerves that go through it to the legs. The physical discomfort from LSS tends to worsen while walking or standing and makes travelling even short distances strenuous. LSS mostly affects people age 50 and older, and more than one million people are diagnosed and treated for LSS each year in the U.S. alone.
The new procedure called “mild” was introduced by Vertos Medical and involves removing a primary source of LSS earlier in the treatment continuum. During the procedure, the physician uses devices to remove small portions of the bone and tissue to restore space in the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the nerves. The treatment is performed through a 5.1 mm portal (about the diameter of a pencil) and requires only an adhesive bandage for closure. Clinical studies demonstrate an increase in patient mobility and decrease in pain. Many patients report immediate relief and go home the same day as the procedure.
The mild procedure is a less invasive alternative to more invasive procedures, such as traditional endoscopic or open surgery. Another benefit is it removes the source of pain, unlike many conservative care strategies such as physical therapy, exercise and chiropractics.
Only qualified physicians, who have completed the in-depth training program of Vertos Medical, can perform the procedure. Dr. Pitino is one of the only physicians in northern Nevada certified to perform the procedure.
To learn more about the mild procedure or to schedule an appointment, contact Spine Nevada at 775-348-8800. Additional information is available at www.vertosmed.com or by calling 888-9LUMBAR.
