Column Treatment Case Report No. 40｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
January 16, 2023
The patient
A male patient in his 20s.
The patient’s medical history to date
- Experienced an episode of acute low back pain (so-called “lumbago”) three years ago.
- Underwent HerniCore treatment in 2021 and PODD in 2022, which both resulted in symptom improvement.
- Currently, residual low back pain remains.
- On a pain scale of 1 to 10 (1 = minimal, 10 = maximal), the patient reports:
- Low back: 3
- Other regions: none
- Able to walk more than 500 meters.
- Slightly difficult: turning over in bed, standing up, washing face, mid-stoop posture, prolonged sitting, and lifting heavy objects.
Pre-treatment symptoms
- Disc degeneration observed at L4/5 and L5/S.
- Axial imaging at L4/5 shows annulus fibrosus tear in the intervertebral disc.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on two levels: L4/5 and L5/S.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The sequence is arranged chronologically from left to right, demonstrating the gradual diffusion of the agent within the disc.
The procedure was completed in approximately 25 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk out of the clinic unaided.
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
