Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
The anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical approach done from the front of the body to allow complete removal of a lumbar herniated (intervertebral) disc. Once the disc is removed, the space is filled with bone (sometimes held in place by a cage or other device) to obtain a spinal fusion.
After an anterior discectomy (removal of ruptured or herniated disc), the surgeon fills in the space with a bone graft in order to fuse the vertebrae together. The fusion achieves stability, so the patient can heal and maintain a normal pain-free lifestyle. The fusion technique may include surgical instrumentation to provide further stabilization.
