Thinking about it....(ALIF surgery on L5-S1)

[Princess]

I am contemplating ALIF surgery on L5-S1 after 21 years of conservatively treating my back - the last 2 years being the worse. Anyone had success with this procedure? Thanks.

[Keano16]

Hello.

You should tell more about you, your diagnosis, problems, etc.

[KBear]

I have never had ALIF at any level, but I would definitely have a fusion if my L5/S1 went bad. The best advice I can give you is to get multiple surgical opinions (after you have exhausted conservative options), research all your options and then make the best decision you can with the information you have.

[trkdoc714]

Depending on the severity of the problem, there are other less invasive fusion techniques (XLIF, TLIF).

You might think of second and third opinions before making a decision.

Bob

[Justin]

I am contemplating ALIF surgery on L5-S1 after 21 years of conservatively treating my back - the last 2 years being the worse. Anyone had success with this procedure? Thanks.

Hello Princess, welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

As mentioned above, do you have more information you can provide (recent imaging, other diagnostics you have had, etc.)?

[Princess]

Thanks everyone for the comments.

I have had 3 surgical opinions.....all say fusion - not a candidate for artificial disc or lamanectomy. This is not a hasty decision (obviously since I have been dealing with his for 21 years). Choice between PLIF or ALIF and I am leaning towards ALIF. I wish I could have feedback on someone who has had this done.

As far as my "conservative treatment" - you name it - I have had it done!! I have actually lived a very active life with only transient episodes of disaster. However, these episodes are occuring more frequently and lasting longer. Accupuncture & myofacial massage work to reduce my anxiety, severe muscle spasms and pain but only temporarily. I am now in constant pain mostly in my hip and leg more than my back (somedays tolerable, some days not). I have pretty much been reduced to only walking on a treadmill and pilates - which is no longer enough for me. I am in great physical shape and use to be very athletic. Stress "use to be". I need to get back to doing!! I am highly unsatisfied with my quality of life and I am now moving forward with the fusion. I miss my athletic life.

My last MRI in reference to my L5/S1 is a clasical presentation of bone on bone, ruptured disc, 15 degree scoliosis (probably caused by the partial bone on bone on one side). I do have DDD but at my age and what I have done, who doesn't. I have other problems with my back and neck and shoulders, however, they are quite manageable with my workout routine and massage/accupuncture. But this low back has to be dealt with. I am confident I have the right surgeon and pretty confident the right procedure. Just can't find many who have had this particular procedure done and I'm really searching for insight. Hope this helps with some more feedback. Thank you!

[sportsnut3007]

IF it is just l5/s1 you may want to research trans one approach. But check with multiple doctors and get multiple opinions and do your own research. No one approach is a guarantee. Trans one may or may not be appropriate for you specifically.

[Justin]

My last MRI in reference to my L5/S1 is a clasical presentation of bone on bone, ruptured disc, 15 degree scoliosis (probably caused by the partial bone on bone on one side). I do have DDD but at my age and what I have done, who doesn't. I have other problems with my back and neck and shoulders, however, they are quite manageable with my workout routine and massage/accupuncture. But this low back has to be dealt with. I am confident I have the right surgeon and pretty confident the right procedure. Just can't find many who have had this particular procedure done and I'm really searching for insight. Hope this helps with some more feedback. Thank you!

I think the bolded part above is key. It really sounds like you have thought long and hard about this--you sound like an educated Spine Patient! (Surgeons love educated and motivated patients.) Anyway, if you search the SPS Forum in the upper right-hand corner for "ALIF" or "PLIF" you will find many pertinent threads.

Also, here is some information from the Spine Patient Society Educational Library:

• A Patient's Guide to Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
  
• Patient's Guide to Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

You can print this information out as a booklet if needed.

There are also videos that can be accessed through the Patient Education tab on our homepage (Spine Patient Society | Resources For Spine Surgery Patients). Click on Patient Education --> then click on the drop-down menu "Videos."

I hope this helps.

[Princess]

very helpful info sites. Thank you!!

[Princess]

Thanks Justin!! After reviewing these videos, it confirms by gut instinct to go with the ALIF. The recommendation (for me) was the ALIF procedure using a titanium cage with BMP-2 from two doctors and the other surgeon PLIF. I am now 100% sure that the ALIF is correct way to go. Less trauma all around and faster recovery. Like I said before, I am already in great shape which I am sure helps, I am not a smoker and have no medical problems other than mild high blood pressure (which may be from the constant pain as it flucuates depending on how bad I feel). I appreciate the very informative breakdown of the procedure. Other sites were ok but this really describes it with simplicity and valuable animations.

I am not having the surgery for a couple of months - so in the mean time, I am working on strengthening my abs and back and preparing myself mentally for the surgery. I am trying to stack the deck in my favor to have the best outcome I can. I figure I have lived so long with it, a couple of months won't make that much difference if I am positively working towards my goal.

In the mean time, PLEASE if anyone had had this type of surgery, I really want to hear from you - complications, recovery, outcome, etc. I am still very much looking for this feedback. Thanks!!