Column Treatment Case Report No. 43｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
January 21, 2023
The patient
A female patient in her 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
- The patient has experienced chronic low back pain since her twenties.
- She was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation approximately two years ago.
- Numbness in the left lower limb appeared around August 2022.
- Pain severity on a 1–10 scale (1 = minimal, 10 = maximal):
- Low back: 5
- Lower limb: 6
- Buttock: 6
- Numbness: 6
- Able to walk more than 500 meters.
- Rolling over in bed, standing up, and face-washing motions are easy.
- Forward-flexed posture, prolonged sitting, and lifting heavy objects are somewhat difficult.
Imaging and findings
- L3,4/5,5/s – degeneration of the intervertebral discs
- L4/5 imaging shows residual findings of a previous herniation and a visible annular fissure.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The treatment took about 40 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home 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
