Anatomical Result Of An Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Lateral View

Description

Lumbar vertebral bodies are presented in lateral profile with the intervertebral disc space occupied by an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) cage. The prosthetic cage sits centrally between adjacent endplates, restoring disc height and segmental lordosis while occupying the anterior and midportion of the disc space relative to the posterior vertebral margin. Bony anatomy of the superior and inferior endplates, anterior vertebral body cortices, and posterior elements in silhouette provides landmarks for the spinal canal and the posterior disc boundary. Alignment is the focus. ALIF is commonly selected for degenerative disc disease, low-grade spondylolisthesis, and discogenic back pain when indirect foraminal decompression and restoration of sagittal balance are surgical goals. Cage position on a lateral projection matters clinically because anterior placement can help maintain lordosis, while excessive posterior placement raises concern for endplate violation or proximity to the spinal canal and traversing nerve roots. The lighting and material contrast in this illustration separates implant from cortical and cancellous bone, making it well suited for teaching endplate preparation, cage footprint, and the concept of interbody load sharing across the anterior column. Use this illustration in spine surgery lectures to discuss ALIF approach selection, implant sizing, and postoperative radiographic assessment criteria, including disc height restoration and segmental alignment. It also supports textbook figures on lumbar fusion techniques, device design (interbody cage geometry), and complications such as subsidence, pseudoarthrosis, and adjacent segment disease as interpreted from a fixed lateral view. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.