Column Treatment Case Report No. 99｜ ILC International Lumbago Clinic (Osaka Clinic)
January 21, 2025
The patient
A female patient in her 70s.
The patient’s medical history to date
The patient had spinal fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis in the past. She used to exercise at the gym 5 times a week.
Currently, she refrains from exercising due to having acute symptoms.
Symptoms worsened around June 2024, and since then, she has had difficulty walking for even 10 minutes.
The patient visited our clinic seeking to improve her symptoms.
Symptoms before treatment
She had pain and numbness from the back of both thighs to the bottom of the feet.
・Pain levels before treatment
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain level | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
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: possible
Bending backward: not possible
Point of tenderness: none
Lasegue test: negative
Coughing and sneezing: no aggravation
Intermittent claudication: none
Additional explanations on our clinic’s medical examination
・Daily activities
Turning over in bed and prolonged sitting were no problem.
She had difficulty in standing and lifting heavy objects.
Imaging and findings
- L1/2, 5/s – disc herniation
- L2/3, 3/4 – degenerated disc protruding
- L4/5 – postoperative
The above findings were also observed on the imaging.
・L1/2, 5/s- median herniation causing compression of the spinal canal, most likely the cause of the numbness and pain.
L2/3 and 3/4 the protrusion may be the cause of the main symptoms.
Treatment
After consulting with the patient, the Cellgel Method was performed on L1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 5/s.
The treatment was performed by Dr. Kotera.
The treatment took about 30 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
