Anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Why fuse vertebrae?

Arthrodesis is the fusion of a joint.
The philosophy at the CCV is to preserve mobility whenever possible.
However, there are cases where fusion of a segment of the spine is the only solution: certain forms of osteoarthritic disc degeneration, lumbar spondylolisthesis or major spinal deformities.

Fusion in the best anatomical configuration

Anterior spinal fusion has a number of advantages over conventional pedicle screw fixation and fusion:

Preservation of the dorsal muscles
Preservation of the nerve roots that run along the back of the spine
Restoration of the disc and foramens height
A bone graft that will integrate naturally with the vertebrae anatomy

THE IMPLANTATION TECHNIQUE

A minimally invasive fusion procedure

The surgical technique for inserting the implant is minimally invasive. It allows the surgeon to access the spine through a 4 to 8 cm incision through the abdomen, in a natural space around the peritoneum sac, which plays a protective role for the abdominal organs. The main blood vessels (aorta, vena cava) will then be mobilized, enabling complete visualisation of the disc.

Once the ALIF cage is in place, the intestines can return to their natural position by simply removing the retractors. The only element severed throughout the entire approach is the abdominal muscle sheath, which will be sutured at the end of the procedure.

POST-OPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP

Thanks to the minimally invasive technique and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) procedure implemented at the CCV Montpellier, assisted by the physiotherapist the patient can move around after surgery on the afternoon of the operation. The rehabilitation programme for simple daily activities is explained and then put into practice with the physiotherapy team on the day following the operation. Return home is usually on the 2nd day after the operation.