Column Case Report No. 4｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
April 13, 2024
患者様
A female patient in her 70s
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed a strained back about 10 years ago. She was subsequently diagnosed with spondylolisthesis.
She began wearing a corset and being monitored, but then she started to feel numbness and was also diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis.
It was recommended to her to have surgery, but because she was very apprehensive of it, she first came to our clinic to receive minimally invasive treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
Numbness, mainly on the left side, starting from the buttocks and tailbone.
Symptoms worsen when squatting.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain area: lower back
Bending backward: Possible
Lasegue test: Negative
Coughing and sneezing: Aggravation
Numbness in both hands, numbness in the right thumb
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms are relieved when lying down, walking, standing, etc.
The walking ability is limited to between 100 and 500m or less.
Images and findings
- L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
- L4/5 – spondylolisthesis
- L1/2 – protrusion of the intervertebral disc
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 – herniated intervertebral disc
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis was observed, and it is possible that this is the cause of the main symptoms.
・L2/3, 3/4 – herniated intervertebral disc was observed, and it is also likely 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. Maruyama.
The treatment took about 50 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
