ALIF Spine Surgery

ALIF Surgery in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure used to treat lower back pain and other conditions affecting the lumbar (lower) spine. The procedure involves removing the damaged or diseased intervertebral disc, which is the cushioned disc that separates the vertebrae in the spine, and replacing it with an interbody fusion cage. The cage, which is made of metal, plastic, or other materials, is then packed with bone graft to promote fusion between the vertebrae. This helps to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

Causes of Lower Back Pain that leads to ALIF

The causes of lower back pain and other conditions that can lead to the need for ALIF are varied and can include degenerative changes to the spine, arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, traumatic injury, and osteoporosis. When non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, pain medication, or other conservative treatments, are not effective in managing the symptoms, ALIF may be recommended.

ALIF Surgical Procedure

The ALIF procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. During the procedure, an incision is made in the abdomen to access the spine, and the damaged disc is removed. The interbody fusion cage is then inserted into the disc space and packed with bone graft. In some cases, screws or other hardware may be used to stabilize the spine and promote fusion.

Recovery from ALIF Spine Surgery

After the procedure, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for several days to recover. During this time, they will be closely monitored for any complications, such as infection or nerve damage. Pain and swelling are common in the days following the surgery, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within several weeks. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore strength and mobility to the lower back.