Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a procedure used to treat problems related to disc degeneration, spine instability, and deformities in the curve of the spine. Discs degeneration or wear and tear is a natural part of aging and also from stress and strain on the back. This could progress to disc collapse. This could lead to a slackening of the ligaments in the spine due to the collapse in vertebral height and put pressure on the spinal nerves.
This also could lead to small cracks in the outer rings of the disc and cause severe pain. The nucleus in the center of the disc may press on the weakened annulus and also herniate out of the annulus which can also causes pain. When the nucleus herniates into the torn annulus, the nucleus and blood supply meet, causing a reaction of the chemicals inside the nucleus. This produces inflammation and pain.
This procedure is done under General anesthesia.
The patient is positioned appropriately on on his or her back. An incision is made through one side of the abdomen. The large blood vessels and soft tissues that lie in front of the spine are gently moved aside.
Under guidance from a C Arm (X-Ray imaging equipment) the surgeon is able to identify the disc. Using a forceps the front of the disc is opened. Holding the vertebrae apart suitably the surgeon uses a small cutting tool (a burr) to carefully remove the front half of the disc. A surgical microscope helps see while removing pieces of disc material near the back of the disc space.
A layer of bone is shaved off that causes the surfaces to bleed that stimulates the bone graft to heal and join the bones together.
The surgeon measures the depth and height between the two vertebrae. Making a separate incision, the surgeon takes a section of bone from the top of the pelvis to use as a graft. The graft is measured to fit snugly in the space where the disc was taken out. The surgeon uses a traction device to spread the two vertebrae apart, and the graft is tamped into place. Suitable instrumentation will be used to hold the vertebra in place and assist to healing.
As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur. Some of the most common complications following ALIF include:
Patients usually stay in the hospital after surgery for up to one week. During this time, patients work daily with a physical therapist.
Rehabilitation after ALIF can be a slow process. Many surgeons prescribe outpatient physical therapy beginning a minimum of six weeks after surgery.
The other Spine Surgery Procedures are:
Few Major Hospitals for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion are:
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