Column Case Report No.167 | ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo) Column
September 9, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
He first developed numbness in his lower limbs 3 years ago.
He visited a local orthopedic clinic, where he was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis.
Although painkillers helped to relieve his symptoms to some extent, he was unable to sit for more than 5 minutes in a row, so he decided to seek treatment at our clinic.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 0 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
We rate pain from 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (maximum possible pain).
Main symptoms: buttocks, lower limbs
Forward bending: pain in the buttocks
Backward bending: pain in the buttocks
Lasegue test: negative
Pressure pain: spinous processes of L2, 3 and 4
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanation on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The pain becomes stronger when sitting for long periods of time or when initiating a walk.
Images and findings
- L2/3,3/4,4/5-spinal canal stenosis
- L1/2.2/3.3/4,4/5,5/s-intervertebral disc degeneration
The above was also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3,3/4,4/5-spinal canal stenosis was observed, and there is a high possibility that this is the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kono.
This is an image of the patient after the Discogel was injected.
The treatment took about 15 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
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
