Column Treatment Case Report No. 54｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
March 11, 2023
The case of a patient who was suggested to undergo surgery, but who instead chose to be treated at our clinic.
The patient
A male patient in his 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient started doing judo as a student and ended up having back pain since that time.
He visited an orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis.
Unable to bear the pain, he consulted his doctor about surgery four years ago, but the doctor merely suggested rehabilitation.
He found out about our clinic and came to us for treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
Walking is possible for up to 500m.
Pain symptoms began to appear after prolonged walking.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain – lower back and buttocks. Numbness is present on the outside side of both lower limbs.
・Daily activities
It is very difficult for him to stand up and lift heavy weights.
He also has some difficulty turning over in bed, sitting in semi-crouching position, and sitting for long periods of time.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5disc degeneration
- L3/4, 4/5 – spinal canal stenosis due to disc protrusion
・L1/2、2/3 – conservative treatment because of disc degeneration
・L3/4, 4/5 – spinal canal stenosis was observed and may be the probable cause of the pain and numbness.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on discs L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 4/5.
This is an image of the Discogel inserted into the intervertebral disc.
The procedure was completed without any pain.
The treatment took about 35 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by himself.
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
