CARE & TREATMENT IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
ALIF is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The surgeon will stabilize the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: An anterior interbody fusion is designed to sop the motion at the symptomatic segment of the spine. An ALIF is most commonly done to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease, in which the degenerated disc becomes painful.
Are you experiencing severe back or leg pain? If you’ve tried more conservative treatments, your doctor may suggest undergoing an anterior lumbar interbody fusion. As the most trusted source of ALIF surgery in New York, New York Spine Specialist can help you achieve long-term pain relief from a variety of spinal conditions.
ALIF surgery is a procedure that entails replacing damaged spinal discs with bone grafts, which eases pressure on spinal nerves and reduces pain and discomfort. The grafts will gradually produce new bone, which fuses vertebrae together.
ALIF is ideal for treating degenerative disc disease, which the Mayo Clinic estimates that 20% of U.S. adults will have by age 65. Your surgeon may recommend the procedure if you’ve already had PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion). ALIF is less invasive than PLIF, meaning you’ll recover faster.
The ALIF procedure is a form of spinal fusion that removes the intervertebral body that separates each vertebra and helps the spine bend with a full range of motion. While the herniated discs cause roughly 5% of back pain, according to Abrazo Central Campus, the pain feels intense and can greatly affect your quality of life.
As opposed to other spinal surgeries that require incisions in your back or spine, during an ALIF, the surgeon enters from a point in your lower abdomen.
According to the Medical University of Silesia, ALIF back surgery has a 95% success rate in treating conditions like:
If you’re in good health and have previously tried more conservative treatment methods (like physical therapy) without success, your doctor may find you a good candidate for the procedure.
If you fall into any of the following categories, your doctor may suggest alternatives to the ALIF surgery:
What are the benefits of anterior lumbar interbody fusion compared to similar procedures that access your spinal column from your back?
When you hire an excellent surgeon, you significantly mitigate your chances of complications. The most common side effects of ALIF include:
These complications remain very rare, but highlight the importance of finding a skilled and experienced service.
When you schedule an ALIF procedure, you should have the following expectations for the preparation and recovery.
When your doctor determines you’re a good fit for ALIF surgery, they’ll ask you to prepare the following ways:
Full recovery can take up to a year and you may take two weeks before you can resume a minimal level of daily activity. Your doctor will advise you not to bend, twist, or lift heavy objects for several months.
The most important aspect of your recovery is rest. Have someone help you around the house with chores and childcare. You should also manage your pain with medication and ice.
When you need pain relief from a spinal injury, you need a spine surgeon in New York who can safely and effectively perform the ALIF surgery. Whether you’re wondering whether you should see a spine surgeon vs. a neurosurgeon or need reliable pain relief, you won’t find a better provider than New York Spine Specialist.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Book an appointment online or call us at 516-355-0111.
You’ll feel a normal amount of pain after the procedure. It will likely last a few weeks and you should adequately manage it with over-the-counter medication, rest, and ice.
In certain situations, it can be. According to a study recorded in NASSJ, ALIF has less risk for complications like infection compared to Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery.
The recovery time for the anterior lumbar interbody fusion can take up to a year for complete healing. Many people can return to simply daily activities after four weeks.
ALIF typically achieves high success rates in patients with degenerative disc disease. According to a study published in the International Journal of Spine Surgery, the procedure results in fusion rates ranging from 85% to 97% within one year.
You can live a relatively normal life after anterior lumbar interbody fusion. However, it’s best to avoid activities that could injure your spine, such as contact sports and manual labor that involves repetitive twisting and bending.
