How is an anterior lumbar interbody fusion different from a posterior lumbar ?

The approach: Anterior lumbar fusions utilize an approach through the abdomen called a retro peritoneal approach. This approach actually never enters the cavity containing the intestines, rather goes around it. This approach will allow access to the lumbar spine for fusion. The approach carries risks because the large veins and arteries need to be moved.

Primarily by the : Approach: front v back to disc space. The implants are larger for front approach & these can be done as a stand alone where posterior ones are smaller and usually supplemented by spinal instrumentation & there is a decompression of nerve tissue during the posterior approach directly. This is indirect from anterior approach by re-establishing the disc height & sometimes with instrumentation.