Column Treatment Case Report No. 32｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)

December 10, 2022

The patient

A female patient in her 30s.

The patient’s medical history to date

• The patient has experienced multiple episodes of disc herniation in the past.

• Since August 2020, she developed low back pain, buttock pain, and radiating pain to the lower limb.

• Pain Level (0=Min, 10=Max):
• Low Back Pain: 7
• Lower Limb Pain: 6
• Buttock Pain: 6
• Numbness: 4

• Able to walk more than 500m.

• While turning over in bed and washing her face are easy, she experiences slight difficulty with standing up, semi-crouched posture, prolonged sitting, and lifting heavy objects.

Imaging and findings

• Disc herniation was observed at L4/5 and L5/S.
• Mild disc degeneration was observed at L3/4.

Treatment

The Cellgel Method was performed on three levels: L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S.

The patient consulted with the physician and opted to have L3/4 treated as a preventative measure due to the mild degeneration observed there.

Post-injection imaging shows uniform spread of material throughout the disc.

The entire procedure was completed in approximately 25 minutes.

After a brief rest in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk and return home the same day.

Our clinic’s treatment method

Additional information about the Cellgel method we have introduced in this column.

Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per area (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen per 5 areas (including tax)

Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Nerve damage is not a zero possibility due to the very nature of the treatment, but there have been no reports of damage so far in either report cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to local anesthetics. Symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first week or two after treatment. This is believed to be due to the decompression effect of the implant, which retracts the surrounding tissues. In addition, if the disc is almost completely collapsed, treatment may be difficult. The doctor hold a consultation with you during your visit to the clinic to determine the best treatment option for your condition.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:

Blog page explaining the Cellgel Method in an easy-to-understand manner
The Cellgel Method on our treatment methods page

This article was written by the Administrative Director of our clinic