Column Case Report No. 79｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka) Column
November 12, 2024
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed lower back pain in July 2023. At the time, this was monitored with block injections and electrotherapy.
From May this year, the numbness in the left leg worsened.
The patient came to our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain and numbness in the left lower back and buttocks.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main area of pain and numbness: lower back
Bending forward: Difficult
Bending backward: Possible
Pressure point: L4/5 on the left side
Lasegue test: Negative
Coughing and sneezing: No aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
No intermittent claudication.
Turning over in bed and sitting for long periods of time are somewhat difficult.
Symptoms are worse when sitting in a chair and standing up.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2 – Intervertebral disc degeneration
- L2/3, 3/4, 5/s – Intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion
- L4/5 – Disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・There is a high possibility that the main symptoms on the left side are caused by the disc herniation in L4/5.
There is also a possibility of pain and numbness due to protrusions in L2/3, 3/4, and 5/s.
The disc degeneration at L1/2 was treated from a preventative aspect.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 40 minutes.
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 page with an easy-to-understand explanation of the Cellgel Method
Our clinic’s page on the Cellgel Method
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
