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Our expert spine surgeons use this advanced procedure to ease lower back pain and help you recover faster.
Telehealth appointments are available.
The anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure is a spinal fusion surgery that joins the small bones of your back (vertebrae). It relieves pain and stops your spine from moving more than it should. This surgery is used to treat painful spinal conditions, such as spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease.
To perform anterior lumbar interbody fusion, spine surgeons remove part of a damaged disc (soft material between vertebrae). They replace the disc with a plastic or metal cage that realigns your spine and takes pressure off spinal nerves. Bone grows around the cage to create a single bone, preventing painful movement.
We perform this procedure through your abdomen, so it’s not necessary to move spinal nerves — which lowers your risk of nerve and spinal cord damage. This less invasive approach reduces damage to your surrounding muscles and helps speed up your recovery.
Patient Story
I can run a mile almost as fast as I used to … I am me again.
We’re recognized as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield for delivering quality spine surgery care.
As an academic health center, we’re on the leading edge of spinal treatments — you receive care from a trusted, experienced team.
You get comprehensive care from experts in spine, surgery, pain management, physical therapy and occupational therapy — working together to help you get better.
The less invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure only requires 3 or 4 days in the hospital, letting you return home sooner.
Before you go home, a physical therapist will show you how to get in and out of bed on your own safely to help with your recovery.
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