ANTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION

The Anterior Spine Space

The anterior spine space includes the tissues, organs, and blood vessels, along with the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, which all lie in front of, or anterior to, the spinal cord. Anterior spinal surgery typically requires a spinal access surgeon experienced in safely creating a pathway to the spine. Ideally, they have also received dedicated training in advanced exposure techniques in order to be able to provide a full complement of exposure options.

The ALIF Procedure

Using a less invasive, or ‘mini-open’ approach to anterior spine exposure, the Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) can now be performed through small incisions with minimal tissue trauma resulting in optimal patient outcomes.

Pre-Op Evaluation

The pre-operative evaluation is critical to the overall success of any surgical procedure. We place substantial emphasis on pre-operative planning and this begins with a thorough assessment of medical history, pertinent past surgeries, along with a detailed imaging review.

Risks of the ALIF Procedure

Surgical complications specific to spine exposure can be quite significant. This underscores the need for expert surgical care to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Retrograde ejaculation is a surgical complication affecting male patients undergoing a variety of pelvic procedures including prostate surgery, colorectal surgery, and anterior spine surgery. While this complication is extremely rare in anterior spine surgery, it is important to understand the nature and implications of this specific complication.