ALIF - Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
As opposed to TLIF and XLIF, ALIF fusions are done from the front (anterior through an abdominal incision). After making an incision at or below the belly button, the abdominal contents (intestine, ureters, iliac arteries and veins) are moved to the side and the disk space removed. Then, an allograft or autograft are inserted. Often a titanium plate and screws are then put in or posterior pedicle screws are inserted through another incision (a 360-degree fusion).