Column Case Report No. 134｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Tokyo) Column
February 19, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Around 2016, the patient developed a strained back, so she had to wear a corset and observe her condition.
Around 2021, the pain in her right lower limb when walking and symptoms of intermittent claudication began to appear. She visited a local orthopedic clinic and was diagnosed with a misaligned disc in L4/5. She did rehabilitation, but there was no particular improvement.
In autumn 2023, after observing the situation at length, the symptoms began to worsen, and pain began to affect her all day long.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve the symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 6 | 10 | 7 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain: right lower limb
Forward bending: No change
Backward bending: No change
Lasegue test: Negative
Pressure point: None
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
The patient experiences pain in the lower limbs when walking.
Walking is possible for distances of 100m or less.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 – Intervertebral disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis was observed, and is a possible cause of the main symptoms.
・L5/s – Intervertebral disc degeneration was observed, and although it was unlikely to be a cause of the main symptoms, it was decided to be treated as a preventative measure.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 50 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
