Column Treatment Case Report No. 100｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
September 02, 2023
Patient Case
The patient
A female patient in her 70s, living in Indonesia
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2015, she started experiencing symptoms of numbness and weakness in her lower limbs when getting up in the morning and standing up.
She received acupuncture and block injections, but the treatment effect only lasted for about a week.
She was referred to our clinic by an acquaintance.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 |
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, lower limbs under the knees.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: not possible
Lasegue test: positive at 60 degrees on the left
Point of tenderness: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient has trouble in all aspects of her daily life.
The patient’s ability to walk is compromised.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
- L2/3 – reduced disc height
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3 – narrowing of the left foramen intervertebralis caused by disc protrusion, but since the disc height is reduced, treatment may have reduced effect, so further careful consultation is necessary to determine the best treatment.
・L3/4 – Left foramen magnum stenosis caused by disc protrusion, which is also a probable cause of the pain in the lower back and lower extremities.
・L4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis and foramen intervertebralis stenosis, also a probable cause of the pain in the lower back and lower extremities.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 20 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
