Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgery performed to correct spinal problems in the lower back. The surgery can be implemented either as an open surgery or minimally invasive technique.
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Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedure
ALIF surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. You will be positioned supine (lying on the back).
Your surgeon makes an incision on your abdomen and retracts the muscles and various structures to enhance the clarity and accessibility to the anterior aspect of the vertebrae.
The surgical approach is from the front of the vertebral body in the lower back region.
Your surgeon removes the whole or a part of the damaged disc between two adjacent vertebrae followed by fusion of the same with or without the use of bone grafts.
External implant materials such as rods, screws, plates, and wires may be fixed to the treated vertebrae to deliver extra support and stability during the healing process.
At the end of the procedure, the structures are re-approximated, and the skin is closed with sutures.
