Tiger Woods undergoes MIS ALIF for severe back and leg pain

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Tiger Woods—one of the most successful golfers of all time—is expected to return to the sport after six months of rest, therapy and treatment

World-renowned golfer Tiger Woods has announced on his website that he has undergone a minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (MIS ALIF) procedure to treat “ongoing pain in his back and leg”. Richard Guyer of the Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas, performed the procedure.

“The surgery went well, and I am optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain,” Woods said. “When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long.”

Woods underwent the procedure at L5/S1, due to sciatica and severe back and leg pain caused by the narrowing of one of his discs. Conservative treatment had apparently failed as a long-term solution.

“After he recovers from surgery, he will gradually begin his rehabilitation until he is completely healed,” Guyer said in Woods’ article. “Once that is accomplished, his workouts will be geared to allowing him to return to competitive golf.

“If you are going to have single-level fusion, the bottom level is the best place for it to occur. Some individuals are born with one less vertebrae, which would be similar to someone who had a single-level fusion,” Guyer added.

Following rest, therapy and treatment, Woods is expected to return to full activity in about six months.

“I would like to thank all the fans for staying in touch and their kind wishes,” Woods said. “The support I have received has never waned, and it really helps.”