Long-term Follow-up of the Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedure.

During the period 1989-1999, a number of patients underwent an ALIF-procedure. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion procedure (ALIF) is a type of lumbar spinal fusion. The approach of the lumbar region is by incision of the abdominal wall. The intervertebral disc is removed and replaced by a bone graft. These patients form the population of this study. The goal of this study is to evaluate their current medical condition and to determine the clinical outcome. The clinical result will be stipulated by means of standardized questionnaires (VAS-score, Oswestry low Back Pain Questionnaire and SF-36)