Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
What is it?
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a back surgery that involves approaching the spine through an incision in the abdomen. A portion of the affected disc space is removed from the spine and replaced with an implant. Titanium or stainless steel screws and rods may be inserted into the back of the spine to supplement the stability of the entire construct.
Why is it done?
Patients who are suffering from back and/or leg pain are potential candidates for the ALIF procedure. This pain is generally caused by natural degeneration of the disc space.
The Operation
The ALIF back surgery is performed with the patient lying on his or her back.
| Incision The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's abdomen to access the spine. To have a clear view of the spine, the surgeon then retracts the abdominal and vascular structures. |
 Disc RemovalOnce the spine is in view, the surgeon removes a portion of the degenerated disc from the affected disc space. |
 Material PlacementAfter this disc material is removed, the surgeon inserts bone graft material into the disc space—such as autograft or INFUSE® Bone Graft contained in a LT-CAGE® Lumbar Tapered Fusion Device — to restore the normal anatomic condition of the spine. |
| After Surgery After the surgery, the patient will normally stay in the hospital between 2 to 5 days. The specific time of stay in the hospital will depend on the patient and the surgeon's specific post-operative treatment plan. The patient will normally be up and walking in the hospital by the end of the first day after the surgery. Your surgeon will have a specific post-operative recovery/exercise plan to help you return to normal life as soon as possible. |
Click here to read about a patient who went through the ALIF procedure and received INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Lumbar Tapered Fusion Device.
Click here to find a doctor who has attended training on INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Lumbar Tapered Fusion Device.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of the INFUSE® Bone Graft/LT-CAGE® Lumbar Tapered Fusion Device with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
