ALIF is a lumbar spine surgery where the damaged disc is removed through the front of the abdomen and replaced with a fusion cage. It is suitable for degenerative disc disease and instability in the lower back.
Process
Through a small abdominal incision, the disc is removed and a cage is inserted with bone graft to promote fusion. The anterior approach avoids cutting through back muscles. It may be combined with posterior fixation for added stability.
Benefits
Spares back muscles
Allows larger disc space correction
FrequentlyAsked Questions
Is it more painful?
No, patients often report less back pain than traditional fusion.
How long is the stay?
Usually 2–3 days.
Can I bend later?
Yes, post-rehab bending is allowed with precautions.
