What Is ALIF?
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a procedure in which a damaged disc in the lower back is removed through an anterior (front) approach and the spine is stabilized to allow fusion.
When Is It Considered?
ALIF may be considered in patients with:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal instability
- Certain cases of recurrent disc degeneration or failed prior surgery
What Does It Treat?
ALIF helps restore disc height, improve stability, and relieve pain related to disc degeneration or instability. It may also help indirectly relieve pressure on nerves by restoring space within the spine.
What to Expect
The procedure is performed through the abdomen to access the spine. The damaged disc is removed, and an implant is placed to restore disc height and support fusion. In some cases, ALIF may be performed as a stand-alone procedure. In other cases, additional posterior fixation or posterior spinal fusion (PSF) may be recommended to provide added stability and support fusion. Patients are typically mobilized early after surgery, with activity increasing gradually over the following weeks.
Next Steps
A thorough evaluation is needed to determine whether ALIF is an appropriate option and whether supplemental posterior fixation may also be recommended.