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

Aim: 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. Materials and Methods: 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). Results: Based on Prolo scale scores, excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 61 % of these patients (75 % monosegmental 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 IS 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. Conclusion: The ALIF cage with stabilization is one possible therapy option for treatment of monosegmental degenerative disc disease and failed-back surgery after unsuccessful conservative therapy. However, the clinical results should be interpreted with caution.