Column Treatment Case Report No. 31｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)

November 28, 2022

The patient

A female patient in her 50s.

The patient’s medical history to date

• The patient had a history of recurrent episodes of acute low back pain since her 20s.

• Since around 2020, she has experienced pain extending from the buttocks down to the lower limbs, as well as numbness in the toes.

• Pain was self-evaluated on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain):
• Low Back Pain: 6
• Lower Limb Pain: 7
• Buttock Pain: 9
• Numbness: 3

• She was able to walk more than 500 meters,

• but daily activities involving forward flexion were somewhat difficult.

Imaging and findings

• Lumbar disc herniation at L4/5 and L5/S1
• Mild disc degeneration at L2/3

Treatment

The Cellgel Method was performed on three levels: L2/3, L4/5, and L5/S.

The patient consulted with the physician and opted to have L2/3 treated as a preventative measure　due to the mild degeneration observed there.

Post-procedural images demonstrate even distribution of material within the disc.

The procedure was completed in approximately 20 minutes.

After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk unaided and return home the same day.

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