Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
Description
A type of lumbar fusion procedure. The surgery is done by approaching the spine from the front though the abdomen. The disc material between two vertebrae is removed and bone material is inserted to produce the fusion. Sometimes a posterior fusion is performed as well. The surgery is done to relieve the pain and numbness caused by herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and arthritis.
Cost
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Common Complications
Complications include: vertebrae failing to fuse, hardware failure, bone graft migration, nerve damage or persistent pain. All surgery comes with the risk of infection and blood clots. General anesthesia runs the risk of allergic reactions or breathing problems.
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