[Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a cage with stabilization]

The authors have conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome and complications associated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a cage with stabilization.

Eighteen patients ranged in age from 36 to 77 years (mean 53 years) who had undergone ALIF were prospectively evaluated. Clinical outcome was graded using a modified Prolo scale (economic, pain, medication) and radiological outcome was recorded (X-rays).

Based on Prolo scale scores, excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 61 % of these patients (75 % mono-segmental degenerative disc disease: n = 8; and 50 % after failed-back surgery syndrome: n = 10). The mean follow-up was 14 months (from 12 to 18 months) after surgery. Postoperative X-rays demonstrated solid arthrodesis for 12 (66 %) of the 18 patients. Complications requiring repeated surgery included one case of postoperative peritonitis without infection of the cage. We found one deep-vein thrombosis. There were four cases with postoperative meralgia paresthetica. On routine follow-up radiography one cage was found to be dislocated (2 mm) and in one case we found two broken screws.

The ALIF cage with stabilization is one possible therapy option for treatment of mono-segmental degenerative disc disease and failed-back surgery after unsuccessful conservative therapy. However, the clinical results should be interpreted with caution.