OrthoNeuroSpine & Pain Institute
OrthoNeuroSpine & Pain Institute
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Sacroiliac Spine
Comprehensive, Compassionate & Holistic Care
Nonoperative & Operative Management
Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Approach
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
What is an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)?
A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure which results in two or more bones being joined together in a solid and stable fashion by bridges of bone between them. The aim is to stop movement across that particular segment of the spine.
An anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is an operation on the lower back which is performed from the front, in other words through the abdomen. It is most commonly used to treat lower back pain resulting from a damaged or degenerate intervertebral disc, or spondylolisthesis (slippage of one bone on the other). The goal is to stabilise the spine so that pain (and sometimes deformity) is reduced.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) involves the removal of one or more intervertebral discs and the joining of two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) together using screws and a cage.