Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions affecting the lower spine. During the operation, the damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a bone graft or implant (cage) to restore spinal stability and alignment. The spine is accessed through an incision made at the front (anterior) of the lower abdomen, typically below the umbilicus (belly button).
At Specialty Orthopaedics, we offer a mini-open ALIF approach to preserve the muscles and allow access to the front of the spine through a small incision. This technique is a muscle splitting (as opposed to a muscle cutting) approach and is frequently used to fuse the L5-S1 disc space. This technique can also readily address the L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels via the same incision.
With the help of a general surgeon or vascular surgeon, the anterior lumbar spine vertebrae are accessed after making an incision and mobilizing the abdominal contents. The spine surgeon then performs a discectomy to provide adequate room for the nerves. Once the discectomy portion of the procedure is complete, the surgeon inserts an anterior interbody cage with bone graft (with or without plates/screws) to stabilize the spine and facilitate fusion.
Our vision is to provide excellent, patient-focused, comprehensive orthopedic care to patients of all ages across North Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Orthopaedics has grown to become a pillar of the North Georgia medical community with four convenient locations in Gainesville, Dawsonville, Braselton and Duluth.