Spinal fusion surgery is performed to connect two or more bones in the spine so that they heal into a single, solid bone. These bones are called vertebrae. Fusing vertebrae in the lower (lumbar) spine may help ease lower back and leg pain.

A lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure to restore the intervertebral disc space and stabilize the spine. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is done through an incision in your abdomen. The surgery may take from 3 to 8 hours. This depends on how many vertebrae are fused. In some people, an ALIF is combined with a posterior instrumented fusion (PIF). This is done through an incision in the back.

Here is what to expect:

• An incision is made on one side of your abdomen.
• The disk is removed from between the vertebrae that require fusion. This leaves an empty space between the vertebrae.
• A bone, synthetic, or metal graft is placed into the empty space.
• The graft may be held in place with screws or a plate with screws. Over time, the graft and the bone around it grow into one solid unit.
• A tube called a drain may be left in the wound for a few days.
• The incision is closed with sutures or staples.