Column Case Report No. 183 (Q-Florence Method)｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka) Column
December 09, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
Around 2020, the patient felt pain in her left lower limb and went to see a local orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed her with spondylolisthesis.
Since she is still currently experiencing pain and numbness from both thighs down to the lower legs, she decided to visit our clinic.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 1 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain: lower limbs on both sides
Forward bending: worsening of lower leg symptoms
Backward bending: Postural difficulty
Lasegue: Negative
Tenderness: None
Intermittent claudication: appears after walking for about 500m
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms worsens when walking.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis, disc herniation
- L3/4,4/5 – Intervertebral disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – Spinal canal stenosis due to anterolisthesis of L4 and disc herniation were also observed, and are likely to be the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultating with the patient, the Q-Florence method was performed on L4/5.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This image shows the Qfusion after insertion. You can see that the spondylolisthesis and the disc height are showing improvement.
The treatment took about 85 minutes (25 minutes for anesthesia + 60 minutes for treatment).
After taking a rest in the recovery room, since the patient was able to sit, stand, and walk without any problems, he walked home on his own.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Additional information about the Q-Florence method we have just presented above.
Cost of the Q Florence method: 1,600,000 yen/one site (including tax) to 2,300,000 yen/two sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Q Florence method 1 site = 1,600,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Q-Florence method: Although there are no reports of such cases in our own experience or in the literature, there is a possibility of damage to nerves, dura mater, and other surrounding tissues due to insertion of the spacer. There is a very small possibility of allergic reaction to the local anesthetic. There is a possibility of dislocation or fracture of the spinous process. Temporary urinary problems and allergic reactions may also occur.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Blog article explaining the Q-Florence method in an easy-to-understand manner (in Japanese)
Our clinic’s page about the Q-Florence Method (in Japanese)
This article was written by the Administrative Director of the Clinic
