Column Treatment Case Report No. 96｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Tokyo Clinic)
August 19, 2023
Patient case
The patient
A male patient in his 40s.
The patient’s medical history to date
In his 20’s, he had several episodes of slipped back, which improved after resting for 2 to 3 days.
In 2018, he visited an orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis. He was treated with oral medication.
In July 2023, he developed a strained back after sneezing. Unable to move, he was transported to the hospital and given block injections, but there was little improvement.
In June 2023, he made an appointment at our clinic because he felt the pain coming.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve his symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 1 | 1 | 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: too scared to attempt
Bending backward: no change
Lasegue test: positive at 60 degrees on the right.
Point of tenderness: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Pain increases when getting up and bending over.
The patients’s walking ability is not affected in any way.
Imaging and findings
- L3/4 – disc herniation
- L4/5 – tear in the annulus fibrosus
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L3/4 – disc herniation on the right side, probable cause of the pain and numbness.
・L5/s – tear in the annulus fibrosus, probable cause of the recurrent strained backs.
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 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 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
