Boise ALIF Surgeon (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
UNPARALLELED SERVICE – EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
Why Choose Dr. Kelly Bridges for ALIF?
For patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and beyond, Dr. Kelly Bridges is a trusted expert in spinal fusion surgery. Her expertise, patient-first approach, and commitment to advanced techniques make her a leading choice for patients seeking relief from lumbar spine conditions.
What Sets Dr. Bridges Apart?
- Specialized Experience in Lumbar Fusion – A strong track record of successful ALIF surgeries and patient outcomes.
- Personalized Treatment Plans – Every procedure is carefully tailored to the patient’s unique spinal anatomy and medical history.
- Precision Surgical Techniques – A meticulous approach designed to maximize recovery while minimizing risk.
- Commitment to Patient Education – Patients are fully informed about their condition, treatment options, and recovery expectations.
Comprehensive Aftercare & Support – A dedicated team guiding patients through every phase of recovery.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): A Forward-Thinking Approach to Spine Stability
Chronic lower back pain and spinal instability can rob you of the ability to move comfortably, exercise, or even complete everyday tasks without discomfort. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a specialized spinal fusion technique that stabilizes the lower back while relieving nerve compression and pain. Unlike other fusion procedures that access the spine from the back, ALIF is performed through the front of the body (anterior approach), which can offer significant advantages for certain patients.
For those in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and throughout the Treasure Valley, Dr. Kelly Bridges provides advanced surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs. Her expertise in spinal fusion techniques like ALIF ensures patients receive personalized, high-quality treatment with long-term results.
What Is ALIF and How Is It Different?
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a type of spinal fusion surgery that involves accessing the lower spine through the abdomen rather than the back. This unique approach allows the surgeon to remove a damaged or degenerated disc, insert a stabilizing bone graft or implant, and fuse the vertebrae to provide long-term stability.
ALIF is commonly recommended for patients experiencing:
- Degenerative Disc Disease – When spinal discs wear down over time, leading to pain and instability.
- Spondylolisthesis – A vertebra slipping forward over another, which can cause nerve compression.
- Herniated Lumbar Discs – When a damaged disc presses against nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Recurrent Disc Issues – For patients who have previously had disc surgery but continue to experience problems.
Because ALIF is performed from the front of the body, it avoids disruption to the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, which can lead to faster recovery and improved spinal alignment.
Common Questions About Lumbar ALIF
How ALIF Works: A Closer Look at the Procedure
1. Anterior Approach & Access to the Spine
- A small incision is made in the lower abdomen, avoiding disruption to major back muscles.
- The surgeon carefully moves aside abdominal structures and blood vessels to access the spine.
2. Removing the Damaged Disc
- The problematic disc between two vertebrae is removed, creating space for stabilization.
- If necessary, bone spurs or other structures pressing on nerves are also cleared away.
3. Placing the Bone Graft or Spacer
- A spinal implant or bone graft is inserted into the space where the disc was removed.
- This helps maintain proper spine height and alignment while promoting fusion.
4. Encouraging Fusion & Stability
- Over time, the bone graft encourages the vertebrae to grow together, forming a solid, stable structure that eliminates painful movement.
- Some cases may require additional stabilization with screws or plates, but ALIF is often performed without posterior instrumentation, reducing trauma to the back muscles.
Because the back muscles remain untouched, many ALIF patients experience less post-operative discomfort and a smoother recovery compared to other fusion techniques.
Why Consider ALIF? Unique Benefits for Patients
ALIF offers distinct advantages compared to other lumbar fusion techniques, including:
✔ Reduced Back Muscle Disruption – Since the approach is through the front of the body, the spinal muscles remain intact, leading to less post-surgical pain and a smoother recovery.
✔ Better Disc Space Restoration – ALIF allows for larger implants, which can restore disc height more effectively and improve overall spinal alignment.
✔ Ideal for Multi-Level Fusions – This approach is particularly useful when stabilizing multiple lumbar levels.
✔ Long-Term Stability – By fusing the vertebrae, ALIF prevents further degeneration and instability in the affected area.
For select patients, ALIF can provide faster recovery, better spinal balance, and a more natural posture than traditional posterior fusion approaches.
Who Is a Candidate for ALIF?
ALIF may be recommended if:
- You have chronic lower back pain due to a degenerative or herniated disc.
- Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections have failed to provide lasting relief.
- Imaging (MRI, CT scan, or X-rays) confirms spinal instability, misalignment, or nerve compression.
- You need revision surgery after a previous disc procedure that did not provide relief.
Not all patients are candidates for ALIF—Dr. Bridges carefully evaluates each case to determine if this approach or another spinal fusion technique would be the best option.
Recovering from ALIF: What to Expect
While every patient heals differently, here’s a general timeline of what to expect after ALIF surgery:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 1-3 days for monitoring and initial recovery.
- Early Recovery (First Few Weeks): Walking is encouraged early on, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
- Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Many patients resume light activities within days to a couple of weeks after surgery.
- Fusion Development: The bone graft continues to fuse over several months, providing lasting spinal stability.
- Long-Term Outcomes: Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility early in the recovery process.
Dr. Bridges provides individualized recovery guidelines, ensuring patients heal safely and effectively after surgery.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, spinal instability, or disc-related issues, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) could be the solution that helps you reclaim your mobility and comfort.
📞 Call (208) 327-5600 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. Whether you’re in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or traveling for expert spine care, Dr. Kelly Bridges is here to help you take the next step toward lasting relief.