Anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Abstract

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) was first reported in 1906 and is currently an acceptable option for surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis. A careful preoperative evaluation is critical, as most complications are approach related. Both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches are utilized for exposing the lower lumbar levels most commonly associated with spondylolisthesis. A wide variety of options are available for the interbody graft, including autogenous bone grafts and titanium cages, as well as graft adjuncts such as bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). Both radiographic results and health related quality of life (HRQOL) studies have established ALIF as a reliable procedure for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Known complications of ALIF include vascular damage, injury to peritoneal viscera, ileus, and retrograde ejaculation.