Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Blinded procedure for lumbar stenosis
• Technical Terms: Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression (PILD) or placebo-control

Summary

This procedure treats lumbar stenosis, a condition where narrowing of the spinal canal occurs in the lower back, causing pain and mobility issues. It involves using imaging technology to guide a minimally invasive decompression of the lumbar spine or administering a placebo, with the exact intervention unknown to patient and provider to maintain trial integrity.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Lumbar stenosis causing low back pain and nerve compression.
• Goals/Outcomes: Alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. The trial aims to gather evidence on the efficacy of the procedure.

Indications

• Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain, leg pain, numbness or weakness in legs, difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods.
• Patient Criteria: Typically older adults with confirmed lumbar stenosis through MRI or CT scans who have failed conservative treatments.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be adjusted.
• Diagnostic Tests: MRI or CT scans to confirm lumbar stenosis. Blood tests and a physical exam to ensure suitability for anesthesia.

Procedure Description

1. Patient is positioned and given local anesthesia or light sedation.
2. A needle is inserted into the lumbar spine area under real-time imaging guidance.
3. For PILD, the needle removes small amounts of tissue to relieve pressure on the spine. In the placebo-control, a sham procedure is performed.
4. The needle is withdrawn, and a small bandage is applied to the insertion site.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

It is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center equipped with imaging technology.

Personnel

• Interventional radiologist or spine specialist
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Nursing staff for monitoring and assistance

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild pain or discomfort, bleeding at the needle insertion site, infection.
• Rare Risks: Nerve damage, allergic reactions to anesthesia, severe bleeding, or worsening of symptoms.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction in pain, improved mobility, and greater overall quality of life.
• Timeline: Benefits may be realized within weeks to a few months after the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Rest for a few days, avoid strenuous activities.
• Recovery Time: Typically around 1-2 weeks for full recovery. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to monitor progress.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Physical therapy, medications, spinal injections, or surgical decompression.
• Pros and Cons: PILD is less invasive with quicker recovery compared to surgery but may not be suitable for all patients. Medications and physical therapy are non-invasive but may not provide significant relief.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Patients may feel mild discomfort or pressure but should not experience significant pain.
• Post-Procedure: Mild soreness at the injection site and possible temporary pain increase due to local anesthetic wearing off. Pain management includes oral analgesics as needed for comfort.