A study published in The Spine Journal examines anterior lumbar interbody fusion using a new pedicle-to-pedicle technique.
The researchers examined 140 patients who underwent ALIF from 2011 to 2013. There were 184 levels operated on. Researchers examined CT scans before and after surgery to measure disc height, local disc angle and lumbar lordosis. Here are five quick findings from the study:
1. There was a statistically significant improvement in the foraminal dimensions after ALIF. The improvements include:
• Area: 67 percent
• Height: 21 percent
• Width: 38 percent
2. The anterior disc height improved 90 percent while the posterior disc height improved 77 percent.
3. The local disc angle and lumbar lordosis improved 6 percent.
4. The PDH was correlated significantly with foraminal height improvement and the pedicle-to-pedicle technique presented with high intra- and interclass reliability, according to the study.
5. The researchers concluded, “ALIF results in significant indirect foraminal decompression based on a new P-P technique. Posterior disc height is a significant factor in restoration of foraminal height.”