Column Case Report No. 89｜ ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column
December 12, 2024
The patient
A female patient in her 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient has had lower back pain for the past 10 years. Pain and numbness in both right and left thighs.
Her symptoms in the lower limbs started 2 or 3 years ago. 5 or 6 months ago, when the symptoms were the strongest, she started taking medication.
She came to the clinic seeking improvement of her symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
Symptoms are aggravated during prolonged sitting and when standing up. Pain and numbness in both the right and left thighs.
・Pain level before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
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, lower limbs
Forward bending: painful
Backward bending: Possible
Point of tenderness: None
Lasegue test: on the left side
Coughing and sneezing: aggravation
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Standing is not a problem. Washing one’s face is very difficulty.
She does housework and babysits her grandchildren.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4 – disc degeneration, protrusion
- L4/5 – disc herniation
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・The disc herniation at L4/5 is most likely the cause of the dull pain and numbness and caused by the compression of the nerve.
・The protrusion at L2/3 and 3/4 is also most likely cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel procedure was performed on L2/3, 3/4, and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 30 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 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
