Anterior interbody lumbar fusion (ALIF), is an innovative surgical approach that is performed to remove herniated or degenerative discs in the lumbar spine. ALIF is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon makes a small incision on the front side of the body to reach the spine. Once the affected disc is removed, fusing is performed to create a solid bridge between the vertebrae on both sides of the disc space. The goal of the ALIF technique is to reduce lower back pain, tingling and numbness caused by a damaged lumbar disc.
There are several reasons why your surgeon may recommend the ALIF procedure. If you suffer from low back or leg pain due to spinal instability or degenerative disc disease and have tried other non-surgical solutions to no avail, you may be considered a suitable candidate for this form of treatment. Some of the other possible reasons for choosing ALIF may include:
An ALIF can be performed as both an open or minimally invasive procedure. Minimally invasive technologies allow surgeons to access the affected vertebrae through small incisions and tunnels that are created to accommodate special surgical tools and techniques. Here is a closer look at what you can expect from the procedure:
While most spinal procedures are performed using a posterior approach, an anterior approach may be taken for a number of different reasons. For instance, your surgeon may want to avoid repeated surgeries in one area if you have already had spinal surgery from the back. Furthermore, using an anterior approach allows more direct access to the affected area without disturbing the surrounding nerves. Some additional benefits of an ALIF procedure include:
If you are experiencing pain due to a degenerative disc, work closely with an experienced spinal surgeon at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic. Dr. Lewis is one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, trained in multiple spinal treatment techniques to help patients return to feeling their best. Her has trained other surgeons across the country and pioneered the development of specialized equipment used for complex procedures related to spinal conditions. He has worked in the design and development of anterior lumbar implants and instrumentation since 2004, and performed over 3000 ALIF operations since 2000, including in Lyon, France.
Contact us today to learn more about anterior lumbar body fusions or to schedule a consultation. We’ll find a solution that works for you. Call us at (601) 366-1011.