Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): biometrical results and own experiences

Abstract

Lumbar fusion is a mainstay in the treatment of low back pain resulting from degenerative disc disease. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has become a reasonable treatment technique to achieve indirect foraminal decompression with high fusion rates. The aim of the study was to analyse the biometrical parameters of the lumbar spine and the clinical outcome. The medical records of 51 patients treated with ALIF between 2012 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Anterior and posterior disc height (DH), lumbar lordosis (LL), local disc angle (LDA) and foraminal dimensions were obtained on pre- and postoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography scans using ImageJ and Surgimap software according to the pedicle–pedicle technique. To evaluate the interbody fusion status on the last follow-up CT scans, we used Bridwell criteria. Preoperative and 12 months postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were determined for all patients. The average length of hospitalisation was 4 days. Most of the patients had degenerative disc disease with foraminal stenosis. Five patients had early complications like paresthesia of lower limbs, sympathetic dysfunction or wound infections, but there were no major complications. Statistically significant (P