In addition to a decompression and/or posterior spinal fusion, your surgeon may choose to perform a fusion in the space at the front of the spinal column in between the vertebrae called the interbody space. In these procedures, which can be done from a front (anterior), side (lateral) or back (posterior) approach to the spine, and as explained in additional detail below, your surgeon will remove the degenerated disc material and replace it with either a piece of donor bone or an implant made of metal or plastic and filled with natural bone material. The goals of interbody fusion procedures in this setting are to remove degenerated disc material, correct spinal curvature, restore normal spinal alignment, and help achieve a successful spinal fusion.
Incision: lower back (posterior lumbar).
In an ALIF, your surgeon will make an incision on the front of your abdomen. He/ she will then safely move organs and other necessary tissues out of the way in order to reach the spine. Your surgeon may choose to also perform a decompression and posterior spinal fusion during the same or a separate procedure.
Incision: lower abdomen (anterior lumbar).
Incision: side of abdomen (lateral lumbar).
In an LLIF, your surgeon will make an incision on the side of your abdomen in order to reach the spine. Your surgeon may choose to also perform a decompression and posterior spinal fusion during the same or a separate procedure.