Single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) – Range of motion

I often get asked about what the range of lumbar motion is going to be like after a single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). I say it should be good, based on the experience of my ALIF patients.

This patient of mine had an L5/S1 ALIF through a small “bikini-line” lower anterior abdominal incision using the ROI-A integrated cage system (LDR; Device Technologies); her surgery was a year ago. Before her surgery she looked and felt disabled; she was unable to work effectively in the health sector. Her L5/S1 disc was essentially a “flat tyre” (top left image in collage). I saw her this week for her final follow-up, with these post-op x-rays done (top right and bottom left). She demonstrated to me her range of motion (bottom right). She told me how happy she was to have her life back personally and professionally. This is a TYPICAL result that should be expected for a single-level ALIF. It’s a fusion, too, and minimally invasive. It works. Careful selection, meticulous technique, teamwork and reliable prosthetics for the job at hand are the key, I believe. We’re lucky to be living in this day and age.

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