Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

By Gregory Keller, MD with Ehren Allen, DPT

What Kind of Back Surgery Did Tiger Woods have?

Since the famous episode in which Tiger Woods fell to his knees during a tournament due to back spasms, he has required multiple spine surgeries.  From 2013 to 2017 he had 4 procedures.  The 4^th surgical procedure was an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF).  An ALIF procedure is an operation in which the experienced spine surgeon enters from the front of the body.  This allows them to access the large bodies of the vertebrae with less disruption of the back musculature.

To Read the Full Press Release about Tiger Woods and his back surgery, Click this Link.

What is a Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which a skilled spine surgeon connects 2 or more bones in the spine together.  This prevents movement between the 2 bones or vertebrae.  The purpose is to limit movements that are causing pain and altering function.  During the procedure, the spine surgeon removes part or all of the intervertebral disk.  The disk is the tissue that provides cushion and space between 2 vertebrae.  It provides cushion and allows movement of the spine.  If the disk becomes damaged or diseased, it can lead to movement disorders and cause significant pain or other neurological symptoms in the back, buttocks, and legs.

When the disk is removed, an artificial spacer is placed between the vertebrae.  This is to maintain the height and space for the nerve structures in the spine.  Screws and sometimes bone grafts are placed in the vertebrae.  This is to hold the spacer in place and prevent movement between the 2 vertebrae.

There are several options for the Lumbar spine surgeon for a Lumbar Spine Fusion Procedure.  These include:

• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) – enter from the back
• Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) – enter from the side
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) – enter from the front

Which Lumbar Fusion Implant Did Tiger Woods Get?

Tiger Woods and his surgeon selected the STALIF M TI device from Centinel Spine.  The STALIF is a type of Lumbar fusion with a front approach that is more minimally invasive.  It requires a smaller incision than other Anterior (front) entry procedures.   This can mean a faster healing time.

Dr. Gregory Keller explains the STALIF M Ti procedure in this VIDEO.

How Long is the Recovery after an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedure with the STALIF M TI Device from Centinel Spine?

The recovery time is typically 3 months to return to activities such as golf and recreational activities.  Most patients are able to return to work after about 3 weeks though.  For more questions about this procedure, give us a call.

Click to watch the segment, “TIGER WOODS: REBORN“.

How Do I Know if the Front Approach Lumbar Fusion is Right for Me?

Only a Board Certified Spinal Surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for the STALIF M TI device and procedure.  Dr. Gregory Keller of the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute is one of few surgeons to attain the comprehensive certification from Centinel Spine for Lumbar and Cervical procedures.  This includes the STALIF M TI that Tiger Woods received.  So, if you want to find out if this procedure is right for you, give us a call.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Keller is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine surgeon.  He studied Medicine at the Vanderbilt University Medical School. Dr. Keller performed his orthopaedic surgery training at the University of Florida Health Science Center. He completed a fellowship in spine surgery with Shannon Stauffer, M.D. at Southern Illinois University Medical School. Dr. Gregory Keller is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

To schedule for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.  Related Article: Low Back Pain

If you have back problems, Dr. Gregory Keller and the team at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Keller, call 904-JOI-2000 or click the link below.