What is Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion? | ALIF

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ALIF stands for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. It is a common spinal surgery during which the spine is approached from the front through the abdomen. In lumbar spinal fusion surgery, there is an angle taken when the surgeon gains access to the spine from an anterior (Abdominal) approach. After the removal of a disc, the pressure on the nerves is relieved.
ALIF Can Be Used to Treat These Conditions:
- Bulging Disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Disc Tear
- Failed Back & Neck Surgery
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Foraminal Stenosis
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#anteriorlumbarinterbodyfusion #alif #spinalfusion #inervertebralfusion #fusion #bulgingdisc #discherniation #herniateddisc #degenerativediscdisease #disctear #foraminalstenosis #microsurgicalprocedure #lumbarspine #lumbar #spine #anatomy #medicalanimation #animation #spinesurgery #surgery

[@Marky-hu1rg]

I had ALIF surgery on October 12th. Was up and walking just after waking up. The only discomfort I was having Was the incision on the belly. My back felt fine and no pain meds. Went home the next day. I to use a cane “JUST IN CASE” but it is not needed to get around. As others have said, “wearing the back brace” all the time except when sleeping and showering. My only big chore is avoiding the dreaded “BLT”. I had read all of the horror stories about how painful the surgery was for some people but in my case it was a breeze. I either got lucky and/or I had great surgeons.

[@Jesusismyrock]

thanks for sharing your experience. I am sure it will be encouraging to some who are worried.

[@AtlanticSpineCenter]

Congrats!

[@ladeekatt]

You've given me some hope, friend. I had a posterior fusion in November from L4-S1, and I'm already fused from T11 to L4. Found out yesterday that my S1 screws have a significant loosening, so now I have to have an ALIF for my L5-S1. Not going to lie, I'm scared shitless. Thank you for your story, it gives me great hope.

[@AtlanticSpineCenter]

@@ladeekatt If you would like a second opinion, please call us at 732-903-2114 🩺

[@grandfury5609]

So my question of the day is why is there a Posterior fusion then? Posterior vs anterior fusion? Why didn't the surgeons just stick to Posterior since it seems less invasive and they don't have to tear a hole in ur stomach.

[@kasimirb5155]

Surgeons are today's wizards! 🙌

[@AtlanticSpineCenter]

Thank you! Be sure to subscribe → bit.ly/3reJ63R 🔔

[@lghealthyover6074]

In what cases can an ALIF be performed solely from the front, without going in the back?

[@rakishman1313]

isnt this a 360 fusion ? Isnt ALIF common with a anterior plate?

[@briansanchez1540]

Just had this surgery done 3 days ago

[@AtlanticSpineCenter]

Hope it went well!

[@KBradAdams]

I had a ALIF Lumbar fusion in April and looking at my xrays yesterday I noticed all these little specs in the xray and found out they were staples? Probably 15 to 20? I was never told they would be using staples and what are they for? Will they dissolve or just be there forever. What are they made of and what are they used for? I am not talking about the incision they are near the hardware and cage? Thanks for any information.

[@Deef3lony]

The question is how do you feel afterwards? Are you better?

[@KBradAdams]

@@Deef3lony I am better as far as my back is concerned, not 100% but way better. The problem is my stomach pain is worse and not improving.

[@user-iu6yy9hg5c]

How do you feel now are you doing better with the pains? Thank you

[@KBradAdams]

@@user-iu6yy9hg5c well yesterday from standing a few hours my stomach burning nerve pain was back. The back pain is much better I believe I am fused at L4/L5 now but I think L5/S1 disc is having some issues and causing some hip and leg pain at times. I wish I had just talked the surgeon into fusing both the L4/L5 and L5/S1 and I think I would be 99% as far as my back goes. My gut kept saying it but my head said just wait. Time will tell I guess.

[@ryanc.807]

Im a Surgical Technologist. Those are not staples, they’re vessel clips. They are made to clip small vessels that bleed during surgery. They are made of titanium, will not dissolve. They don’t affect your anatomy or harm you in any way. The body is very vascular and small clipped vessels just find another vessel to flow blood through.

[@CrankyPantss]

So they still have to go through the back to put the screws in, too? Why not just go through the back for all of it?

[@shrimpymacdougall3134]

They didn’t go through my back. Had ALIF 10 days ago L5-S1. A long incision from belly button to pelvic bone. Cage inserted. The incision is glued together-hospital was 2 nights. Ditched walker after day 5. Now using a cane for walking just in case of a fall. Wearing a brace when not lying down. Physical therapy comes to home 2 day week- back pain seems gone for the most part. I can cough or sneeze without feeling like back is breaking. Healing from surgery still-off of pain meds day 7, and not lifting anything over a half-gallon of milk. Now to just keep from bending, twisting and overdoing it so the fusion doesn’t fail-the tough long part of not doing anything has started, and I can see how I have to keep mindful of movement at all times.

[@CrankyPantss]

@@shrimpymacdougall3134 Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you’re doing well. Take care.

[@KhaledAhmed-rx6ll]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@SS-jw4tc]

​@@shrimpymacdougall3134 Thanks for sharing your experience. I have to get an ALIF with posterior rods and pins soon and l'm very nervous. May l ask what kind of brace you had to wear after surgury? What did you find was the most difficult thing for you? Do you need someone to help you after going home or can you do things on your own? Thank you!

[@jill6979]

Because going through the front makes sure posterior muscles, nerves and tendons are not disturbed or cut.

[@kennithburger7037]

no!!! this takes away all movement in the patient.

[@SrH420024HrS]

I'm mortified that I have to have this done. My disc looked like a grenade went off and this is what they told me.. after 4 failed spinal surgeries.. I'm so scared to be opened from front and back...

[@ladeekatt]

At this point, reduction of movement is what I need. Between quickly deteriorating disks and sponylolisthesis, I can't stand it any more.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

Movement is gone anyway, at least this spaces the vertebrae apart again to give the nerves some more room

[@cawalkabout]

Nah. I have 2 fusions, C6/7 and L5/S1. I still hike, dirt bike, camp, and I'm a plumber by trade. No notable loss of movement. Now if you have 2 or 3 stacked on top of each other, you will lose some. But a single stack fusion is not bad for mobility.

[@ladeekatt]

@cawalkabout that gives me some hope. I hated giving up my love of the outdoors. I'm 8 weeks post, fused from t-11 to s-1 and possibly getting si fusions as well. I just want to live again.