Mount Airy

Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.

This research evaluates anonymous, previously collected medical data to review the outcomes of different treatment methods for chronic pain. The study is a retrospective review involving multiple centers and independent patient groups to compare results across various subgroups. The study examines clinical outcomes related to the use of spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency (RF), and other implantable device systems from Boston Scientific and other manufacturers. Multiple cohorts will be analyzed based on the type of treatment system used. Participants' medical charts will be reviewed to measure response rates through approximately two years of follow-up. The study focuses on clinical results documented in patient records without any new treatment or intervention administered during the study.