Column Treatment Case Report No. 194｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
March 05, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2000, the patient experienced hernias twice.
In November 2023, he developed pain in his lower left limb, diminished strength, and began to feel pain in his lower back.
In 2024, he visited his local orthopedist and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis. He underwent conservative treatment, but his symptoms did not improve.
He learned about our clinic and decided to consult with one of our doctors.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: lower back, both legs.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: aggravation of lower back pain
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: none
Intermittent claudication: positive (pain and numbness after walking between 400m to 500m).
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Symptoms are exacerbated when walking.
Imaging and findings
- L3/4 – spinal canal stenosis
- L2/3,3/4,4/5,5/s – disc degeneration
- L4 – slight retrolisthesis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L3/4-Spinal canal stenosis with spondylolisthesis, which is the most probable cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Florence Method was performed on L3/4.
Below is a picture after implantation of the Florence Method.
The treatment took about 55 minutes (20 minutes for anesthesia + 35 minutes for treatment).
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 Florence method we have just presented above.
Cost of the Florence method: 1,540,000 yen/one site (including tax) to 2,090,000 yen/2 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Florence method on one site = 1,540,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the 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 following the 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.
Blog article explaining the Florence method in an easy-to-understand manner (in Japanese)
Our clinic’s page about the Florence Method
This article was written by the Administrative Director of the Clinic
