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Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or ALIF, is a surgical procedure that helps to strengthen the spine and treat several spinal conditions. ALIF is one of the joint and spinal fusion surgeries globally. Not only people from Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, and Ethiopia visit India for quality and cost-effective ALIF surgery. The main reason so many people choose India for Anterior Lumbar Fusion is the cost of the treatment. India offers the cheapest ALIF treatment that also matches global medical standards.
Plus, when you visit India for your anterior spinal fusion, you get globally renowned orthopaedic surgeons, cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and modern equipment that ensures the highest quality treatment outcome. So, opting for India can be wise if you are searching for a high-quality yet affordable ALIF procedure. Today, we will discuss everything you need about ALIF fusion.
ALIF, or anterior lumbar interbody fusion, is a type of Spinal fusion surgery or SFS. It is also a minimally invasive procedure that uses anterior prospect to access the spine and perform fusion surgery. So, most of the conditions any spinal fusion can treat will also be treated with ALIF surgery. Below, we will discuss some of the common conditions ALIF Surgery can treat-
DDD, or degenerative disc disease, is a condition of the condition of the spine where the spinal canal, bone, vertebra, etc., gets affected by a degenerative disc. An anterior lumbar interbody procedure can remove the affected disc to resolve the problem.
Anterior Lumbar Spinal Interbody fusion can also help to treat conditions like radiculopathy. Radiculopathy can cause chronic back pain and instability that can be treated with ALIF surgery.
Spinal sclerosis is another major spinal condition that can be treated with ALIF or Anterior Lumbar Fusion surgery. Spinal sclerosis causes spinal cord and nerve pinch that leads to severe and chronic back and leg pain. It can be caused by wear and tear or physical trauma and injuries.
Herniated disc refer to a degenerative spinal disc condition that affects spinal mobility and leads to nerve compression and spinal injury. ALIF surgery can also treat a Herniated disc by removing and replacing it.
Spinal cord compression or pinching can occur due to wear and tear, spinal degenerative disease or injuries. Spinal cord or nerve compression can cause severe and chronic back pain that can also extend to the legs and neck. Such conditions can also managed with anterior lumbar fusion operation.
Spondylolisthesis is another spinal condition that can be treated with ALIF surgery. Spondylolisthesis and spondylosis (a type of spinal injury) are both painful conditions that can be managed with anterior lumbar fusion.
Osteoarthritis is a spinal condition caused by wear and tear due to ageing and accidents or physical injuries. An anterior spinal fusion surgery can also treat osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions.
Lastly, spinal injuries or fractures that causes spinal pain and instability. The ALIF surgery can help to resolve spinal injury or fractures due to injury and wear and tear.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a surgical procedure that helps to strengthen the spine and resolve a wide range of spinal conditions. However, it is a major surgery that can restore spinal mobility and prevent spinal problems. Below, we will discuss some essential reasons to perform an anterior lumbar fusion surgery-
■ Having a lumbar radiculopathy – If you are diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy that recurs even after the non-surgical treatments, your doctors can suggest an ALIF surgery.
■ Spinal conditions like osteoarthritis and scoliosis – spinal conditions such as spinal scoliosis or osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and discomfort, spinal instability, and immobility. If non-surgical and other alternative surgeries fail to work, then the doctor may also recommend an anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
■ Spinal problems even after multiple spine surgeries – Lastly, you may also get recommended to undergo an ALIF surgery if you suffer from any spinal problems even after multiple spinal surgeries and decompression methods.
Remember, the more anterior spinal fusion surgery is a major surgery that has the highest chances of success and is only used for severe cases where other alternatives fail to work.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a Spinal or spinal lumbar fusion surgery. Apart from ALIF, spinal fusion surgery can be performed with other methods (Spinal fusion types) such as PLIF or posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and TLIF or Total lumbar interbody fusion. Anterior Lumbar Fusion uses the anterior or front aspect to operate. This means that in ALIF surgery, the incisions are made on the front side to access the spine and perform the procedure.
ALIF is itself a type of spinal fusion procedure and does not have subtypes. However, depending on the technique, ALIF surgeries can be distinguished into different types. There are 4 ALIF techniques primarily used for anterior lumbar fusion operation: OLIF, LLIF, DLIF and XLIF.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a spinal fusion procedure that helps to treat several spinal conditions caused by spinal injuries, degeneration, or congenital deformity. Anterior lumbar fusion has a similar procedure as any spinal fusion. However, the approach and in-depth approach can vary from one type to another. Also, ALIF surgery can vary depending on the technique used in the procedure. Here we will briefly discuss the ALIF procedure details for your knowledge-
ALIF surgery recovery varies from one patient to another. It is also different for each case. Generally, patients are discharged on the same day as the surgery and can resume walking (minimally). However, hospital stays and recovery time can be longer in some complex cases than usual. A patient is advised to avoid strenuous physical activities like running, twisting, and weightlifting. You should consult your surgeon for a more personalised recovery program.
ALIF spinal fusion costs in India depend on several factors, such as the location of the hospital, hospital charges, surgeon's fees, and other medical expenses. It also depends on the complexity of the case. Generally, the cost of ALIF surgery in India can range from $5,500 to $6,500. Your healthcare provider will be able to offer a more accurate cost estimation for your individual ALIF case.
Anterior spinal fusion surgery coverage depends on your policy type and its terms and conditions. Most health insurance policies cover spine surgeries. However, to get insurance coverage for your ALIF operation, the procedure should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as medically necessary. You should also consult your healthcare provider and insurance provider to know more about ALIF procedure insurance coverage.
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