DO I NEED A 360 FUSION (ALIF & PLIF)?
A 360 Fusion, also known as anterior/posterior fusion, is a method used to treat patients with high degrees of spinal instability and persistent pain in their spine. Most commonly used in the low back, or lumbar, area of the spine, the 360 Fusion procedure provides stability by fusing together the affected or damaged vertebrae of the spine. This minimizes movements and instability that cause pain.
A spinal fusion involves the removal of the abnormal disc(s) in the back that press on a nerve. Then that disc is replaced with a cage and bone graft to permanently join the surrounding two vertebrae in the spine to form one solid bone.
At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, spinal fusions are minimally invasive procedures that offer smaller incisions, less muscle dissection, and use of a microscope so patients can get up and get around quicker than a typical traditional open surgery. A 360 Fusion approaches the spine from both the front for an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) and the back for a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). This surgical technique is known for producing high success rates for patients.
In most cases, the first portion of the 360 Fusion is the Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with the patient lying on their back. After the ALIF is completed, the patient is turned over to lay on their stomach and the PLIF is performed. Approaching both sides of the spine often allows for a more aggressive pain reduction.
Recovery for a 360 Fusion typically faster than traditional open back surgeries. Your surgeon will likely prescribe physical therapy before and after the procedure.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR 360 FUSION (ALIF & PLIF)?
If you are suffering from low back pain and spinal instability, and non-surgical treatments have not provided any significant results or pain relief, a 360 Fusion (ALIF & PLF) may be the right option for you.
It is important to consult with your Oasis Orthopedic & Spine expert to ensure the right diagnostic procedures take place. Some of these procedures may include an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and/or a discogram. These imaging resources can help determine the extent of damage or deterioration in your spine which helps assess how a 360 Fusion (ALIF & PLIF) could improve your situation and help you find pain relief.
Common spine conditions that can be treated by a 360 Fusion (ALIF & PLIF) procedure include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Fractures
- Herniated Discs
- Post-Discectomy Syndrome
A 360 Fusion is helpful to patients experiencing chronic low back pain with significant structural damage in the lumbar area of the spine. At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, we prefer to exhaust all non-surgical options before turning to a surgical procedure. If you think a 360 Fusion is right for you, find out if you are a candidate below.