TREATMENTS
ANTERIOR SPINAL FUSION
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgery Dr Makan performs from the front of the body to access and remove the degenerative disc or bone material between the lumbar vertebrae.
Anterior Spinal Fusion
ALIF can be done less invasively or through open surgery. The material used for the bone graft to help stabilise the vertebrae and preserve disc height is either natural or synthetic.
When is an anterior spinal fusion required?
Dr Makan performs an anterior spinal fusion to repair vertebral fractures, spondylolisthesis, a condition whereby bones depress and cascade into one another, and kyphosis and scoliosis.
This procedure is also performed to treat:
- Damaged discs
- Spinal instability
- Leg pain
- Lower back pain
However, he does not recommend ALIF alone on patients with poor, soft bone quality as a result of osteoporosis or those who suffer from spinal instability and arthritis.
Procedure
Typically, an incision is made over the abdominal region and muscle, organs and vascular structures are retracted to see the spine. Next, he removes all the damaged disc material and places the bone graft in the affected site. Afterwards, he places muscles and all surrounding structures in their original place and seals the incision.
Another method to view the spine can be done through minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope. Dr Makan creates smaller incisions and tunnels through muscles to reach the affected region by means of illumination, miniaturised surgical tools and special techniques.
Dr Makan will decide on the most suitable surgical technique depending on diagnosis, health status, chronic health conditions and eligibility of the candidate for surgery.
Recovery
The time it takes to recover from anterior spinal fusion varies depending on how long the vertebrae fuse entirely. There is also no need to disturb the nerves and back muscles, which is an added benefit of the procedure. During a follow-up appointment, Dr Makan will prescribe pain medicine and suggest wearing a brace and attending physiotherapy to facilitate recovery.
FAQ
The outcome of surgery depends on how you respond to treatment. With any surgery, there are associated risks of bleeding and infection. For example, anterior spinal fusion presents risks such as bleeding, infection and damage to nerves.
You are eligible for anterior lumbar fusion when you suffer from spinal instability or the vertebrae slip out of place. In addition, there should be no spinal stenosis present or nerve compression in the lower back.
Anterior fusion presents a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay than the posterior approach. The type of spinal fusion Dr Makan chooses to carry out depends on whether you are eligible for surgery.