Ying H. Chen, DO, FACOS
Neurosurgeon
What is ALIF Surgery? What to expect during and after the procedure?
The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides stability, flexibility, and support to our bodies. However, due to various factors such as age, injury, or degenerative conditions, individuals may experience spinal issues that can significantly impact their quality of life.
In such cases, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery is a potential solution to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote overall spinal health. ALIF, a type of spinal fusion procedure, has gained recognition as a preferred approach for addressing certain conditions affecting the lumbar region of the spine.
At OrthoNeuro, we understand the challenges associated with spinal conditions and are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients. Our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Ohio specializes in various advanced spinal fusion techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries like anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
If you have questions about ALIF spinal fusion surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experts. Our spine specialists will explore personalized treatment options for you and help pave the way for you to experience a healthier, pain-free life.
ALIF surgery (also known as anterior lumbar interbody fusion) is a type of spinal fusion procedure that focuses on the lumbar spine, which is the lower back region. It is designed to treat various conditions that cause pain and instability in the spine.
The goal of ALIF surgery is to alleviate pain and restore stability in the lumbar spine. The procedure involves removing a damaged or problematic disc between two vertebrae and replacing it with a bone graft or an artificial spacer. This helps to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together, promoting spinal stability.
Some common conditions that can be treated with ALIF surgery include:
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery primarily benefits individuals who suffer from a range of spinal issues, particularly those affecting the lumbar region (lower back) of the spine.
Candidates for ALIF surgery typically include:
By considering the unique circumstances and medical history of each patient, orthopedic surgeons can determine the suitability of ALIF surgery. Factors such as overall health, the extent of spinal damage, and the presence of any coexisting medical conditions play a crucial role in evaluating the potential success of the procedure.
There are several key steps that are involved during an ALIF procedure. The steps that are involved in a spinal fusion procedure are listed below.
Like any surgical procedure, ALIF surgery, which is a minimally invasive surgery, carries certain risks. While the overall complication rate is low, it is important to be aware of potential risks and discuss them with your surgeon.
Here are some risks associated with ALIF surgery:
However, with proper preoperative evaluation, skilled surgical techniques, and postoperative care, the overall risk of complications is low.
The recovery time for ALIF surgery varies, but it typically takes several weeks to months to fully recover.
A breakdown of the recovery process for an ALIF surgery is listed below.
If you would like to learn more about ALIF surgery and find expert care for your spine condition, schedule a consultation with us today at OrthoNeuro, located in Columbus, OH. We are a leading orthopedic practice that specializes in spine surgery.
Our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons and spine specialists is dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to help you regain mobility and live pain-free. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier spine!
Medically reviewed by Larry T. Todd, D.O.
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“I recently had surgery on my lower back. I had heard that such surgery would result in pain and cause me difficulties in doing ordinary daily tasks but, I experienced no pain and was able to do normal activities at home and at church. Also, being a bee keeper, I was able to work the hives and extract the honey from most of the hives”
James B.
Patient