ALIF - Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Spinal fusion is a widely criticized, but effective procedure that has been practiced since the 1920s when it was introduced into the medical field. Spinal fusion is typically a procedure for the management of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Specifically, a procedure called anterior lumbar fusion has been under constant scrutiny since its introduction, and medical experts have been developing its basic, acute, and effective methods for decades.
Multiple fixation devices and implements have been used to assist in lumbar interbody fusion. Some examples of these fixations include fibular struts, iliac struts, synthetic metal, and femoral rings and dowel. Prior to the 1950,s most anterior lumbar approaches were extensive transperitoneal exposures. These were relative to the membrane lining the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Furthermore, spinal treatments have undergone parallel evolutionary changes.
In 1957, Southwick and Robinson introduced the retroperitoneal approach, which essentially means “behind the peritoneum”, in comparison to transperitoneal exposures, or approaches “through the peritoneum.” Transperitoneal exposures require incision of both the anterior and posterior peritoneum. Conversely, retroperitoneal exposures maintain the integrity of the peritoneum, and approach the spinal column laterally, behind the bowel and peritoneal contents. The advantage and benefits of this approach is that is causes less post-operative bowel problems.
Minimally invasive procedures have been the results of evolutionary change in technique, technology, and available medicine. Two of these approaches are the endoscopic and laparoscopic methods. Minimally invasive approaches are generally dependent on the severity of the disease or disorder, and also are affected by the part of the body where the pain is occurring.. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) may be useful in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. The cause of this pain is often difficult to diagnose and physicians tend to put the patient through extensive physical exams in order to diagnose the disorder properly. Upon finishing the physical exams, which may include X-rays and MRIs, a physician can typically declare what is causing the back pain. Typically, the association of lower back pain can be cause by degenerative disc disease (DDD), spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or iatrogenic segmental instability.
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