Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Surgery Near You in New Jersey

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evere back pain almost always indicates an underlying problem. Though some issues may get better by themselves or with rest, more complex conditions require spine surgery to be repaired. The comprehensive team at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine, & Orthopedics (CNSO) includes neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care. They perform anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery at locations near you in New Jersey to help patients return to pain-free living.

ALIF Surgery at a Glance

• ALIF surgery is a type of spinal fusion procedure that is performed on the lower back. It accesses the spine via the front of the body.
• Patients may need ALIF surgery if they have a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or a spinal deformity that is causing instability.
• ALIF surgery eliminates pain from a damaged disc between vertebrae, providing a permanent solution to spinal instability, nerve impingement, and pain.
• Patients should see a neurosurgeon if they are experiencing chronic back pain.

What Is ALIF Surgery?

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a type of spinal reconstruction surgery. This reconstruction procedure is used to treat patients whose spinal discs or vertebrae have become too diseased to support their weight comfortably. To perform the procedure, the surgeon removes the diseased discs and vertebrae. A spacer is then inserted into the gap. The spacer, which can be made of artificial materials such as carbon fiber, 3-D printed titanium, or bone, restores structural integrity to the spine. This eliminates pain from that part of the spine, permanently treating the problem.

In an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, the surgeon approaches the spine from the anterior, or the front, of the body, to treat the lumbar spine or lower back. This approach allows easy access to the spine without retracting (moving) the nerve roots. Surgeons must navigate around organs and blood vessels, which requires exceptional skill.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ALIF Surgery?

ALIF surgery is used to treat chronic back pain caused by a structural problem with the spine. ALIF stabilizes the vertebrae, restoring structure to reduce or eliminate painful symptoms. Several conditions can cause instability, including:

• Arthritis: A lifetime of wear and tear causes cartilage in the spine to break down, resulting in pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility.
• Spinal fractures: Traumatic injuries may result in fractured vertebrae, which cannot always be repaired without replacement.
• Herniated disc: Spinal discs provide cushioning for the spine. When one becomes ruptured, it may leak and create pressure against the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
• Degenerative disc disease: Age-related degeneration causes spinal discs to become brittle and no longer able to cushion the spine.
• Spinal deformity: Structural changes to the spine, including scoliosis and kyphosis, may be corrected with ALIF surgery.

ALIF surgeries should be performed only when necessary. Most patients start with conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or joint injections. Surgery is only suggested if non-invasive methods fail to provide relief. CNSO neurosurgeons perform a thorough evaluation before planning treatment. They take the patient’s symptoms, imaging results, and prior treatments into account to determine whether ALIF is the right solution for their pain.

What to Expect from ALIF Surgery

ALIF surgery is performed under anesthesia, meaning that patients are asleep during the procedure. Because this approach requires moving organs and blood vessels, it is often performed by an orthopedic spine surgeon, a neurosurgeon, and a vascular surgeon working together. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgical team follows these steps:

1. The surgeon makes a small incision along the patient’s abdomen. It may be vertical or horizontal and is usually less than five centimeters long.
2. The surgeon gently retracts the muscles, blood vessels, and organs to provide unrestricted access to the problematic part of the spine.
3. The surgical team carefully removes the intravertebral discs from the problem area.
4. A rigid spacer is inserted into the opening created by the removed discs. Graft material in the spacer may be sourced from the patient’s body or from a donor bank.
5. The team may place titanium plates and screws to provide stability and hold the spacer in place, allowing for faster healing.
6. The team closes the incision and covers it with a surgical dressing.

The procedure typically takes around two hours to complete. Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room until they wake up from anesthesia. They are then taken to a hospital room. The patient will stay at the hospital for one or two days. Once the patient is ready to go home, the surgeon provides instructions for recovery. This guidance may include:

• Keeping the incision clean and protected with a dressing
• Avoiding bending, twisting, and heavy lifting
• Taking prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
• Doing simple exercises to promote blood flow
• Monitoring the site for signs of infection

The anterior approach reduces damage to nerves and soft tissue, allowing for a more rapid recovery than other spinal fusion techniques. Patients can typically return to normal activities within two to six weeks. The spine may take a year or longer to fully heal, however. Patients should avoid heavy lifting or bending until approved by their physician.

ALIF Surgery Outcomes and Benefits

After ALIF surgery, patients will experience a significant reduction of preoperative pain from a damaged disc. ALIF restores disc height, relieves nerve compression, and improves spinal alignment. Patients often find that their mobility has improved. They are less reliant on medications. They sleep more comfortably, can participate in favorite activities, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Find ALIF Surgery Near You in New Jersey

ALIF surgery provides permanent relief for chronic back pain. Patients needing relief can find the highest level of care at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. This comprehensive treatment center offers spine surgeries at convenient locations near you across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties in northern New Jersey. The team also provides minimally invasive and robotic spine surgeries when appropriate. Contact CNSO today to learn more about the benefits of ALIF surgery or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About ALIF Surgery

What is the success rate of ALIF surgery?

The success rate of ALIF surgery is around 90 to 95%.

How long is the recovery time after ALIF surgery?

Full recovery after ALIF surgery is a multi-stage process. Initial healing typically takes around six to 12 weeks, while full bone fusion can take six to 12 months.

Is ALIF surgery painful?

Patients often experience some pain at the surgery site after treatment. This pain goes away as the site heals. Nerve pain caused by spinal instability, however, is immediately and permanently eliminated by the surgery.

What is the difference between ALIF and other spinal fusion surgeries?

ALIF surgery accesses the spine from the front of the body, unlike other spinal fusions, which work from the back. Surgeries that approach the spine from the back require a great deal of muscle dissection, which can be very painful, and require prolonged recovery times. In ALIF surgery, the only incision is on the skin. Below the skin, tissues can be moved without cutting additional muscle.

Can I avoid ALIF surgery with conservative treatments?

Of course. Most patients with damaged discs do not require ALIF surgery to correct their painful spine condition. Weight loss, core strengthening, PT, and injections are usually sufficient. ALIF surgery is for patients who do not gain acceptable results from conservative measures.