ALIF
Pronunciation: AY-liff
Also written as: ALIF — Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion - a spine fusion procedure performed from the front approach.
Full Definition
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a surgical technique for spinal fusion that approaches the lumbar spine from the front (anterior) of the body, typically through the abdomen. This approach allows direct access to the disc space while avoiding disruption of the back muscles and posterior spinal structures. ALIF provides excellent visualization of the disc space and allows for placement of large interbody grafts or cages to achieve fusion between vertebrae.
Usage
Usage note: Part of a family of interbody fusion acronyms (PLIF, TLIF, XLIF, OLIF) that specify surgical approach.
In Context
- "The patient underwent L5-S1 ALIF with posterior instrumentation." — Operative report
- "ALIF provides superior disc height restoration compared to posterior approaches." — Surgical technique paper