Column Treatment Case Report No. 116｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
November 21, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A female patient in her 30s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2011, the patient was diagnosed with disc herniation and underwent PLDD twice at another hospital, after which she was able to lead a symptom-free life for more than 10 years.
In December 2021, symptoms recurred but improved within a month.
In June 2022, symptoms recurred. Patient was kept under observation.
In July 2023, symptoms recurred once again. This time, symptoms were so severe that she sometimes had difficulty in walking. Symptoms have calmed down a little since.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: lower back, left lower limb.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: positive, at a 45-degree angle on the left side.
Point of tenderness: in the left iliac region
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The pain was present in all positions except when lying down.
The patient had difficulty walking at the peak of the pain, but has currently no special difficulty when walking.
Imaging and findings
- L5/s – disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The disc degeneration in L5/s is the most likely cause of the main symptoms, as there was no degeneration observed in any other discs.
Based on the physical examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the needle inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 15 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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
