Column Case Report No. 83｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka) Column
November 26, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient developed a strained back in April this year. She visited a local doctor, but nothing conclusive was found.
In May, the condition recurred and the patient’s symptoms worsened, with symptoms in the lower limbs and intermittent claudication.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Pain and numbness from the left lower back up to the sole of the foot, and pain and numbness on the back of the right knee up to the sole of the foot.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: from the lower back to the lower limbs
Forward bending: Possible
Backward bending: somewhat difficult
Tenderness: left at L5/S
Lasegue test: positive at an angle of 45 degrees on the left side.
Coughing and sneezing: No aggravation
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Presence of intermittent claudication.
Washing one’s face is easy. The patient is currently undergoing rehabilitation and osteopathic treatment.
Imaging and findings
- 6th vertebra:
- L4/5 – Intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion.
- L5/6 – Intervertebral disc herniation.
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・There is a very high possibility that the disc herniation at L5/6 is the cause of the main symptoms, which are predominantly on the left side.
・There is a possibility that the protrusion of the disc at L4/5 is the cause of the main symptoms, which may result from nerve compression.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L4/5 and 5/6.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 25 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 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
