Authors of section

Authors

Massimo Balsano, Roger Härtl, Ibrahim Hussain

General Editor

Luiz Vialle

Open all credits

Supine position for Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

1. Patient positioning

The patient is placed on a radiolucent table in a supine position and in a mild lordosis.

A pillow is placed underneath the knees. Slight knee/hip flexion allows the psoas muscle to relax. It also allows the vessels to relax, which eases their retraction.

Patient in a supine position for Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

Another option is to position the patient with arms folded across the chest. This position allows for easier positioning of the C-arm.

Patient in a supine position with arms folded across the chest for Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

2. Anesthesia

General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is required.

Pulse oximetry should be placed on the left great toe.

airway

3. Preoperative antibiotics

Antibiotics should be administered prior to incision and at two-hour intervals during the procedure.

A cephalosporin antibiotic with good Gram-positive coverage is generally recommended.

Patients with penicillin allergies should receive vancomycin or clindamycin.

4. Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is mandatory. Preoperatively, it has to be assured that the C-arm can be moved around the patient freely.

57b Pr040 Supine position for Anterior lumbar interbody fusion ALIF
Go to diagnosis