Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): fusion procedure where spine is accessed through patient’s abdomen.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

Overview of Treatment:

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a type of spinal fusion which involves an anterior approach to fuse lumbar spine vertebrae (bones) together. Anterior refers to the front of the body. Lumbar means the last five vertebrae of the spinal column. Interbody refers to the space between the vertebrae to maintain and reestablish disc height. Interbody spaces may have material inserted to help promote fusion. Fusion means to surgically induce a union or joining of bone.

Who needs this treatment?

ALIF is usually performed to treat a variety of painful spinal disorders, including painful conditions like Degenerative Disc Disease and Spondylolisthesis. ALIF is preferred when there is a need to fuse multiple spinal levels and remove multiple discs.

How is anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) performed?

Following are the steps involved in Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery:

Incision

Patients are given a general anesthesia and preoperative intravenous antibiotics. They are then laid on their backs on a radiolucent operating table. A 3-to 8-centimeter incision is made just to the left of belly button. Abdominal muscles and intestines are moved aside.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Step 1 Incision

Disc Removal

The damaged intervertebral disc is removed, and some of the disc wall is left behind to help contain the bone graft.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Step 2 Disc Removal

Bone Graft Insertion

Special distractor instruments are used to restore the normal height of the disc and to determine the appropriate size of bone graft. A metal cage filled with bone graft is carefully implanted in the empty disc space. This realigns the vertebrae and removes the pressure from pinched nerve roots. Fluoroscopic X-rays are taken to confirm the graft is in the right place.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Step 3 Bone Graft Insertion

Support Attachment

Usually the procedure will be sufficient to secure the vertebrae, but if additional support is required for the spine, surgeons may decide to use a series of screws and rods for support during the healing process. This will connect the above and below vertebrae.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Step 4 Support Attachment

Closure

Over time, the bone graft will grow through and around the implant. The intestines and other blood vessels are put back in place, and the wound area is washed out with sterile antibiotics. The procedure ends when the skin is sewn or glued together.


What happens after surgery?

Most of the patients are allowed to go home after 3 to 4 days of surgery. Before patients can go home, they are instructed by physical therapists. They are given proper instruction about:

  • The right techniques to get in and out of the bed

  • The techniques to walk independently

  • The need to avoid bending at the waist

  • The need to avoid lifting weight more than 5 pounds

The patients are allowed to bend, twist and to lift weight after 4 to 6 weeks of surgery. By this time the pain subsides and the back muscles get stronger.

What are the potential complications and risk factors?

The following complications may arise after the surgery:

  • The graft may be displaced from its right position

  • The above and below vertebrae may not fuse together correctly

  • The wound may get infected by microbes