Treatment Case Studies
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Column Treatment Case No.20  (Q-Florence Method)|ILC International Low Back Pain Clinic (Osaka) Column

June 01, 2024

The patient

 A female patient in her 70s 

Name of the main medical conditions

L3/4 spinal canal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis

 Intermittent claudication: Present

Patient’s evolution up to now

She suffered from a strained back once when she was in her 20’s. She had no problems after that.

 In September 2023, pain appeared in the inner side of her right hip joint.

 In April 2024, she was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis at another hospital. She was treated conservatively with rehabilitation and medication.

Symptoms before treatment

・Pain levels before treatment

Lower backLower limbsButtocks
Level of pain1854

No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.

Main pain areas: right hip, right inner hip.

Imaging and findings

  • L3/4, Degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis

Treatment

After consultation with the patient, the Q-Florence procedure was performed between the spinous processes of L3/4.

               

The treatment took about 65 minutes (anesthesia: 30 minutes + treatment: 35 minutes)

After taking a rest in the recovery room, the patient was able to sit, stand, and walk without any problems, and was able to walk home on her 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