A privately practicing neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Thomas completed a spine fellowship at the University of Miami Spine Institute. Dr. Michael Thomas focused largely on the development of techniques in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), a procedure he has since discussed as a speaker at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons' Section for Spine and Peripheral Nerves.

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO
ANTERIOR LUMBAR
INTERBODY FUSION
Dr. Michael Thomas, Neurosurgeon

2. Introduction
 A privately practicing neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael
Thomas completed a spine fellowship at the
University of Miami Spine Institute. Dr. Michael
Thomas focused largely on the development of
techniques in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF),
a procedure he has since discussed as a speaker at
the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
and Congress of Neurological Surgeons' Section for
Spine and Peripheral Nerves.
The anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure
allows a surgeon to graft bones of the spine via an
approach from the front of the body. As in any spinal
fusion surgery, it requires the surgeon to remove the
diseased or injured disc from between the surrounding
vertebrae.

3. Anterior Lumbar Interbody
Fusion
 He or she then fills that same area with a spacing tool,
also known as a cage, which contains a bone grafting
material. This encourages the two vertebrae to grow
together and immobilize the joint, thus ideally relieving
motion-induced pain.
Although most lumbar fusion surgery is performed
using a posterior approach, the anterior approach can
provide more direct site access. Similarly, because
this approach allows for completion of the procedure
without disturbance to the surrounding nerves, it can
result in a more efficient recovery. Most patients can
begin to stand and walk on the day following the
procedure and are able to leave the hospital within
three days.