Column Treatment Case Report No. 92｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
August 04, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A female patient in her 80s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In 2021, the patient developed pain from her left hip to the back of her thigh, which made it difficult for her to walk. She received physical therapy and recovered to the extent that she was able to walk a little.
In May 2023, the symptoms worsened and have not improved until now.
She came to our clinic for treatment.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the maximum possible pain is rated as 10.
Main areas of pain and numbness: from the left buttock to the left calf.
Forward bending: possible only a little.
Backward bending: possible only a little.
Lasegue test: positive at 60 degrees on the left.
Point of tenderness: spinous process area of discs L3.4.5.
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain is aggravated with prolonged standing or sitting.
Walking difficulties were observed.
Imaging and findings
- L3/4-Spinal canal stenosis
- L1/2-5/s – disc degeneration
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L3/4 – spinal canal stenosis, which is the probable cause of the pain and numbness.
・L4/5 – Large disc protrusion, partially compressing the vertebrae, which is also a 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 L3/4 and 4/5.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kono.
This is an image of the patient’s back after the Discogel injection.
The treatment took about 20 minutes.
After resting in the recovery room, the patient was able to walk home by herself.
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
