Home → Spinal stenosis surgery Louisville — relief from nerve compression without a hospital stay.
Lumbar Decompression · Louisville, KY
Spinal stenosis surgery Louisville — relief from nerve compression without a hospital stay.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves, causing leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking. Dr. Venu Vemuri performs minimally invasive lumbar decompression as an outpatient procedure to relieve the pressure and restore your ability to walk and stand without pain.Procedure Overview
See how lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis works.
📹 ViewMedica Video Embed
Paste your ViewMedica embed code in place of this placeholder.
Understanding Stenosis
What is spinal stenosis and why does it cause leg pain?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal — the space through which the spinal cord and nerve roots pass. As we age, arthritis, bone spurs, and thickened ligaments gradually reduce this space, compressing the nerves.
The characteristic symptom is neurogenic claudication — leg pain, cramping, and weakness that occurs with walking or standing and is relieved by sitting or leaning forward. Many patients can walk farther while leaning on a shopping cart, which flexes the spine and opens the canal slightly.
When conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections don't provide lasting relief, minimally invasive decompression surgery relieves the nerve compression and restores function.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
Recognize the signs.
🦵
Leg pain or cramping with walkingPain that comes on with walking or standing and is relieved by sitting — neurogenic claudication
😴
Limited walking distanceHaving to stop and rest after a short distance, then being able to continue after sitting
⚡
Numbness or tingling in legsTingling or electric sensations radiating into the buttocks, thighs, or calves
💪
Leg weaknessDifficulty lifting the foot or general leg weakness that worsens with activity
Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Founder, miiSpine
Spinal stenosis decompression is one of the most common procedures Dr. Vemuri performs. He uses minimally invasive technique to preserve as much of the spine's natural structure as possible while thoroughly decompressing the affected nerve roots. Most patients notice significant improvement in walking distance within weeks of surgery.
Fellowship-Trained, Norton Leatherman Spine Center
Board-Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
EOSedge In-Office Imaging for Precise Stenosis Diagnosis
400+ Spine Surgeries Performed
300+ Five-Star Google Reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about spinal stenosis surgery.
What is spinal stenosis?Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, most commonly caused by arthritis, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. It compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, cramping, or weakness — typically in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication).
What surgery is used to treat spinal stenosis?Lumbar decompression — laminectomy or laminotomy — removes the bone and tissue compressing the nerves. Dr. Vemuri performs this using minimally invasive technique through small incisions, preserving as much of the spine's natural structure as possible.
Is spinal stenosis surgery outpatient?Yes, in most cases. Single-level and many multi-level decompressions are performed as outpatient procedures at miiSpine in Louisville, KY.
How long is recovery from spinal stenosis surgery?Most patients return to light activity within 2-4 weeks. Walking — often the activity most limited by stenosis — typically improves quickly after surgery.
Can spinal stenosis come back after surgery?Adjacent level degeneration can occur over time, but the decompressed levels typically remain open. Dr. Vemuri will discuss your long-term prognosis at consultation.
What if I have stenosis at multiple levels?Multi-level stenosis is common and can often still be treated with minimally invasive decompression. Dr. Vemuri will evaluate your imaging and determine the best approach for your specific pattern of stenosis.
Ready to walk without stopping to rest?
Call miiSpine to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vemuri. Most patients are seen within days. Outpatient surgery means you go home the same day.
6420 Dutchmans Pkwy, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40205 · miispine.com