Column Treatment Case Report No. 88｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
July 18, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A male patient in his 60s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2005, the patient gradually developed pain in his lower back.
In 2021, symptoms aggravated. He was diagnosed with a hernia by an orthopedic surgeon. The symptoms improved when he received a block injection.
The patient decided to consult at our clinic because he knew someone who had undergone surgery without getting any better afterwards.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
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.
Bending forward: no change
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: negative
Point of tenderness: L3/4 on the left
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Numbness occurs in the legs after prolonged standing.
No problem with the patient’s walking ability.
Imaging and findings
- L2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/s – disc degeneration
- L3/4, 4/5 – foraminal stenosis
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L3/4,4/5 – disc degeneration and foraminal stenosis was observed, and is the probable cause of back pain and numbness in the lower back and lower extremities.
・L2/3,5/s – since disc degeneration was observed, the treatment is indicated as a preventive measure.
Based on the examination and imaging findings, we proposed the above treatment.
Treatment
The Cellgel Method was performed on L2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by our administrative director, Dr. Minowa.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 25 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
