Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion involves fusing the spine across the disc space from the front. The surgical access for this procedure is traditionally done through an incision in the left lower abdominal area. This incision may involve cutting through and later repairing, the muscles in the lower abdomen. A mini-open approach is available that preserves the muscles and allows access to the front of the spine through a very small incision. This approach maintains abdominal muscle strength and function and is oftentimes used to fusion a few levels.



Many levels may need to be fused from the front of the spine when performing surgery for complex problems such as scoliosis. Unfortunately, the mini open technique does not allow access to multiple levels. Therefore, a more traditional approach may be needed to perform anterior fusion for scoliosis.