title: Mini-open anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
abstract: In deformity surgery, anterior lumbar interbody fusion provides excellent biomechanical support, creates a broad surface area for arthrodesis, and induces lordosis in the lower lumbar spine. Preoperative MRI, plain radiographs, and, when available, CT scan should be carefully assessed for sacral slope as it relates to pubic symphysis, position of the great vessels (especially at L4/5), disc space height, or contraindication to an anterior approach. This video demonstrates the steps in an anterior surgical procedure with minimal open exposure. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/r3bC4_vu1hQ .
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Gurpreet S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Gandhoke
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ricks
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Zachary
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tempel
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zuckerbraun
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: D Kojo
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: David O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Okonkwo
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh~ Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Adam S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Kanter
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
keywords: ALIF; fixation; lumbar spine; operative technique; sacrum; video