Conditions and services

Specialized vascular exposure and surgical support for anterior lumbar spinal fusion procedures.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) allows surgeons to access the lower spine from the front of the abdomen. This approach allows for larger implants, greater fusion stability, and minimal disruption to back muscles and spinal nerves.


  • Degenerative disc disease

    Breakdown of intervertebral discs causing chronic lower back pain.

  • Spondylolisthesis

    Forward slipping of one vertebra over another.

  • Herniated discs

    Bulging or ruptured discs causing pain, weakness, or numbness.

  • Spinal instability and degeneration

    Structural instability requiring bone fusion for long-term stability.

 

What is an ALIF procedure?

A spinal fusion involves removing part or all of a damaged intervertebral disc and placing an implant, often referred to as a cage or graft, into the disc space. This implant helps restore proper alignment and serves as a framework for new bone growth. Over time, bone develops through and around the implant, allowing the adjacent vertebrae to fuse into a single, stable structure. To provide additional stability during the healing process, instrumentation such as plates, screws, or rods may be used to secure the vertebrae while fusion occurs.

Spinal fusion procedures can be performed through several surgical approaches, including from the back (TLIF/PLIF), the side (XLIF), or the front of the spine. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is performed through an incision in the abdomen, allowing access to the spine from the front.

Why choose the ALIF procedure over posterior surgery?

Preserves Back Muscles: Reaching the spine through the abdomen avoids cutting, detaching, or stretching the heavy posterior back muscles and tendons.

Larger Implants for Greater Stability: Approaching from the front allows for the placement of significantly larger fusion cages, providing immediate structural height restoration and superior fusion rates.

Reduced Spinal Cord & Nerve Disruption: The anterior pathway avoids working directly near the primary spinal nerve roots, lowering the risk of post-operative nerve pain.

Advanced Computer-Assisted Planning: Modern ALIF uses custom implant technology and computer planning tailored to fit your unique spinal alignment.

How the vascular and spine surgical team collaborates

 

  • Stage 1 (Vascular Exposure)

    Dr. John Politz makes the initial abdominal incision and safely moves major blood vessels (aorta/vena cava branches) away from the spine.

  • Stage 2 (Spine Fusion)

    Your primary spine surgeon removes the diseased disc material, prepares the bone, and inserts the spinal fusion graft/cage along with supportive instrumentation (screws/plates).

  • Stage 3 (Closure)

    Dr. Politz inspects the blood vessels, ensures vascular integrity, and closes the abdominal incision.