Column Treatment Case Report No. 113| ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
November 08, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A male patient in his 50s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In July 2023, the patient started having low back pain and pain in the left lower extremity. Episodes of strained back pain also occurred repeatedly.
He visited a local orthopedist, and was treated with rehabilitation and medication, but there was no visible improvement.
He visited our clinic to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pain level | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
Main pain area – lower left limb
Forward bending: 10 degrees is the limit
Backward bending: no change
Lasegue test: positive at 40 degrees on the left side, numbness in the posterior portion of the thigh
Point of tenderness: in the vicinity of the spinous process of L4/5 and 5/s
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain increases when getting up in the morning and when sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving.
The patient’s ability to walk is fine for less than 100 m, but symptoms occur beyond that distance.
Imaging and findings
- L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis
- L3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L2/3 – Mild disc degeneration was observed, and may be considered for treatment from a preventative perspective.
・L4/5 – spinal canal stenosis, likely the cause of the primary symptoms.
・L5/s – both intervertebral foramen stenosis due to protrusion caused by Intervertebral disc degeneration were observed, and may be the cause of the symptoms.
Based on the imaging and findings of the physical examination, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
After consultation with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L3/4, 4/5, and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kono.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 20 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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