Anterior / Lateral Lumbar Fusion Procedures in New Jersey
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) are techniques that access the lumbar spine through the front or side of the body rather than through the back. These approaches can restore disc height, improve spinal alignment, and achieve a stable fusion with minimal disruption to back muscles.
Definition
What is an Anterior / Lateral Lumbar Fusion?
ALIF and LLIF are types of spinal fusion surgery performed in the lower back.
During these procedures, the surgeon removes a damaged disc and places an implant containing bone graft material into the empty disc space. As the area heals, the adjacent vertebrae gradually grow together into a single solid segment.
The primary difference between these techniques is the pathway used to reach the spine. ALIF reaches the spine through the abdomen, while LLIF approaches it through the side of the body. Although these procedures differ, both techniques are designed to stabilize the affected spinal level and promote fusion as the area heals.
Candidacy
How do you know if you need an ALIF / LLIF?
Anterior or lateral lumbar interbody fusion may be considered when conditions affecting the lower back lead to spinal instability, alignment problems, or difficulty with everyday movement.
These procedures are often used when disc degeneration, loss of disc height, or other structural changes continue to cause symptoms despite conservative treatment. They may also be considered when a previous back surgery makes another posterior procedure less desirable.
Common reasons an ALIF or LLIF may be recommended include:
- Lumbar instability with ongoing back pain
- Loss of disc height that affects spinal alignment
- Degenerative disc disease affecting one or more levels of the lower spine
- Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another
- Adjacent segment disease that develops after a previous spinal fusion
- Nerve compression related to disc collapse or spinal degeneration
How do we perform an ALIF / LLIF?
01
Approach selection and positioning
02
Disc removal and preparation
03
Interbody cage placement
Recovery
What is recovery like after ALIF / LLIF?
Because ALIF and LLIF access the spine without working through the back muscles, many patients are able to get out of bed and walk shortly after surgery. Depending on the number of levels treated and whether additional stabilization is required, patients may return home the same day, the following day, or after a short hospital stay.
The early stages of recovery focus on walking, light activity, and allowing the surgical area to heal. As the bones begin to fuse, patients gradually return to more of their normal routines. While many daily activities resume much sooner, the fusion process continues over the following several months.
Common conditions that require a Lumbar Fusion
Degenerative Disc Disease
Learn about degenerative disc disease treatment in New Jersey for chronic back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and other symptoms caused by age-related disc degeneration.
Scoliosis
The Jey Institute provides personalized scoliosis treatment in New Jersey through advanced evaluation, non-surgical care, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan, MD.
Chief Surgeon & Medical Director
Meet the clinical lead
Why choose The Jey Institute for your Lumbar Fusion?
Choosing the right surgical team is an important part of planning anterior lumbar interbody fusion in New Jersey.
We also perform lateral lumbar interbody fusion when a side approach is better suited to a patient’s condition.
At the Jey Institute, we take time to identify the source of symptoms, review previous treatments, and determine whether ALIF, LLIF, or another surgical approach is the most appropriate option.
- 5,000+ Patients served
- 3,000+ Surgeries performed
- 95% Same-day recovery rate
Areas we serve in New Jersey
Dover, NJ
50 Nelson St.
Dover NJ 07801
Clifton, NJ
735 Clifton Avenue
Clifton NJ 07013
Hamilton, NJ
311 Whitehorse Ave.,
Hamilton Township, NJ
08610
Little Silver, NJ
200 White Road,
Little Silver, NJ 07739
Suite 111
West Orange, NJ
414 Eagle Rock Ave,
West Orange, NJ 07052
Suite 304
East Brunswick, NJ
180 Tices Lane
East Brunswick NJ 08816
Suite 106
Frequently asked questions about ALIF / LLIF
What’s the difference between ALIF and LLIF?
The main difference is how the surgeon accesses the spine. ALIF approaches the lower spine through the front of the abdomen, while LLIF reaches the spine through the side of the body. The best approach depends on the area being treated, the condition affecting the spine, and the goals of surgery.
Am I a candidate for ALIF or LLIF if I’ve had previous back surgery?
Possibly. Previous back surgery does not automatically rule out ALIF or LLIF. In fact, some patients are considered for these methods because they may allow surgeons to avoid scar tissue from an earlier procedure while still reaching the affected area of the spine. They may also help relieve pressure on affected nerves and address structural changes in the spine when appropriate.
Can ALIF or LLIF relieve leg pain and nerve symptoms?
Yes. When leg pain, numbness, tingling, or other nerve-related symptoms develop because nearby nerves are being compressed, ALIF and LLIF can help relieve that pressure. By restoring disc height and creating more space around affected nerves, these procedures often improve nerve-related symptoms. However, results vary depending on the severity and duration of nerve compression.
How is this different from traditional posterior fusion?
Traditional posterior fusion approaches the spine through the back. ALIF and LLIF use different surgical pathways that allow surgeons to place a larger implant between the vertebrae, which can help restore disc height and support spinal alignment more effectively in certain situations.
How long is the recovery and return to activity?
Many patients who undergo anterior or lateral lumbar interbody fusion return home the same day or the following day. Those who require treatment at multiple levels or additional stabilization may spend two to three days in the hospital before going home.
Recovery continues after leaving the hospital. While many people gradually return to everyday activities over the following weeks, the fusion process continues for several months as the bones heal and grow together.
What are the advantages of approaching the spine from the front or side?
Approaching the spine from the front or side gives surgeons a different pathway to the treatment area than traditional back surgery. These approaches often allow placement of a larger implant, which can help restore disc height, improve spinal alignment, and provide strong support for fusion. In some cases, ALIF and LLIF may also help correct spinal deformities or changes in alignment caused by degeneration, injury, or previous spine surgery.
Will I also need a second posterior surgery?
It depends on the condition being treated and how much stability the spine requires after surgery. Some patients need additional screws and rods placed through the back to provide extra support. When this is necessary, the posterior portion of the procedure is often performed during the same surgical session.
Real reviews from our past patients
“Dr. J was attentive, listened to me and showed that he truly cared about my problems. He explained in details and offered me expert opinions. I love that he treats patients as individual and truly listens.”
Bernice
“After being unhappy with my spine surgeon, I found Dr. J. He explained exactly what was wrong with me, made a game plan, and had his team help out in scheduling. Once he found where the problem was, he got me scheduled, did excellent work, and I was home in a couple days. The scar is WAY SMALLER than my original surgery, which wasn’t even as big! He really is a minimally invasive expert and my recovery was way faster!”
Eddie
“I’ve had 5 different operations on my back in the last decade. Dr. J did number 6. His scar was the smallest, least amount of pain, and for the first time after any surgery I went home the same day. Maybe I’m just getting used to surgery lol!”
Steve W.
“No doubt in my mind Dr. Jeyamohan saved my life.”
Steven C.
“Thank You from the bottom of my heart for getting my active lifestyle back- I’m so happy with the outcome- thank u for being honest about the pain I would experience in the first month of recovery- your bedside manner in the hospital was excellent – your PA Andrea was amazing as well- I would recommend Evergreen Health to everyone and my team of docs was super- Thank U Dr J, Dr Nora, and Dr Ting!! Feels amazing to be standing tall with great posture everyday I’m getting stronger”
Michelle G.
“Kind and thorough. Top quality and felt safe throughout.”
Verified Patient
“Took the time to explain my pictures and what was wrong with me, and gave me many different options. Answered every single one of my questions and even a few over the phone. Went home the same day and on my way to a full recovery! Office is clean, bright, and everyone was super friendly and helpful! Andrea his assistant has been a treasure!”
Verified Patient
“Incredibly thorough, took his time to explain and answer all my questions. Gave me plenty of options. I probably visited with him three or four times before committing to surgery, never once did he rush me. Saw me every day in the hospital, walked with me. I’m so thankful I had the surgery with him. I saw two other spine surgeons who didn’t even want to take on such a complicated operation but Dr. J did incredible work and I’m back to walking on my own! I don’t even need a cane anymore”
Verified Patient
“First, the office was not good. Getting an appointment, scheduling, paperwork, was a nightmare. But once I got in to see Dr. J, it was smooth sailing! He got me the tests I needed, talked to me about treatment options, and helped me set up an injection. We talked about different surgeries, got me scheduled, did great work, and made sure I had follow-up appointments. I’m back to the farm ahead of schedule and back to work. If only I could have got in to see him sooner.”
Verified Patient
“I have to be honest here and own up. I saw three different spine surgeons and was worried “Dr. Jey” as everyone calls him was too young. I went with someone else who fused three levels in my back. I did horribly with lots of complications. After getting over all my issues, I swallowed my pride and went back to Dr. Jey. He never made me feel bad and graciously took a look at everything, ordered more tests, and showed me what was going on. Bad news, he says he couldn’t undo the fusion. Worse news, it’s now an even bigger operation to fix, and he was honest and said the best we can do is try to get me…”
Verified Patient
“My experience was excellent. Dr J is very knowledgeable explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable. His staff went above and beyond answer any question I had No matter what the question was. I can’t thank Dr J and his staff enough For helping me get through this spine Injury.”
Jim D.
“I am a 45 year old male who led an active lifestyle when a back injury changed my life. I went from working and being active with my 4 children to suddenly I couldn’t make any movement without excruciating pain. The type of pain I can’t even explain in words. I went to see Dr. Jeyamohan on the referral of my sister who is a physician as well. When I walked into the office the team had already looked at my MRI and explained to me in honest terms that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that delaying surgery was simply not an option. Dr. Jeyamohan Made calls and got me scheduled for emergency back surgery right…”
Eric F.