An Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or ALIF, is a type of spinal fusion surgery performed to treat many spinal disorders, affecting the lower back.
Why ALIF?
Those patients with certain issues affecting the lumbar spine or lower back are great candidates for ALIF. Some of the common conditions that can be addressed using ALIF are:
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Other issues affecting the Lumbar Spine.
How Does ALIF Work?
Spinal fusion is a surgical process used to correct issues affecting the vertebrae of the spine. Many spine problems are caused by the motion of the vertebrae, often due damage, degeneration, or disease. If the issue is caused by motion, it is theorized that stopping that motion will treat the issue. Spinal fusion can be thought of as a welding process, fusing a number of vertebrae together, into one, solid, bone.
Interbody fusion is a type of spinal fusion which involves removing the disc between the problem vertebrae. During an anterior interbody fusion, your surgeon will approach the problem vertebra from the lower back, through the front of the body, creating an incision in the abdomen. The surgeon may choose to approach from the front or the anterior for a number of reasons, the most common being:
- For those that have had previous incisions made in the posterior (along the back).
- More direct access to the intervertebral discs.
- To have the ability to add more lordosis (swayback) to your spine.
- Can make for a faster recovery process.
- Allows the surgeon to reach the spine without moving the nerves.
- Avoids painful incisions being made to the lower back muscles.
A small incision is made into the abdomen. Because of the placement at the anterior of the body, often blood vessels, and organs must be moved somewhat so that the surgeon may reach the intervertebral disc. The damaged disc is then removed, along with any bone spurs or other abnormalities, relieving the pain and pressure put on the spinal nerves.
A spacer is then put in between the two vertebrae, to allow for normal alignment of the spine and to fill the space left by the disc. The body’s natural restorative processes will help fill the spacer and its surrounding area with bone, and a thin titanium plate is inserted onto the front surface of the spine, helping to maintain spinal stability and proper spinal alignment.
Post-Procedure
The procedure generally takes 2-3 hours total, not including a few hours after to rest and recovery while being monitored by the staff. Patients will usually spend a few nights in the hospital and will be able to walk within that time. Depending on the level of correction and the area, we may prescribe a back brace in order to support the spine. If you are suffering from any lumbar spine issues and would like to learn more about Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or ALIF, contact Dr. Vikas Varma today.
