There are 2 mild procedures. Specify which one your getting. The ortho is more effective.
• Physiatrist (mild® procedure): Uses a special tool through a tiny incision to remove small pieces of ligament causing spinal stenosis. It’s non-surgical, no cutting of bone or disc, and done under imaging guidance—not a scope.
• Orthopedist (endoscopic decompression or discectomy): May use a scope (endoscope) to go in, and can trim or remove part of a disc or bone if it’s pressing on a nerve. It’s still minimally invasive but more surgical than the mild® procedure.

Bottom line:
Physiatrist’s mild® is image-guided and preserves structures; orthopedist may use a scope and cut disc or bone as needed.