{"id":"e58cd2f9-2eff-49ee-b169-30394ac23896","slug":"anterior-lumbar-interbody-fusion-for-degenerative-disc-disease-induced-by-retained-gunshot-projectile-a-case-report","title":"Anterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative disc disease induced by retained gunshot projectile: A case report","authors":["Aecio Rubens Dias Pereira Filho","Alexandre Roberto Aprile","Allison Fernandes Roxo","Raul Pinheiro Medeiros","Érico Oliveira Honorato de Barros","Maria Paula Loureiro de Oliveira Pereir"],"abstract":"Background: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) may emerge years after spinal trauma, particularly when ballistic fragments remain lodged within the disc space. Case Description: A 31-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of progressive low back pain and bilateral sciatica, 12 years after a conservatively managed lumbar gunshot injury with no initial neurological deficits. Imaging demonstrated a retained projectile within the L5–S1 disc space, associated with disc height loss, retrolisthesis, and Modic type 3 endplate changes. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L5–S1 was performed, permitting direct bullet removal and placement of an interbody cage. Early postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate implant positioning with restoration of disc height and sagittal alignment, while clinical follow-up over 6 months documented sustained symptomatic improvement. Conclusion: In anatomically suitable scenarios, ALIF may represent a safe and effective option for the removal of anteriorly retained bullet fragments while addressing L5-S1 DDD.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/e58cd2f9-2eff-49ee-b169-30394ac23896/featured/hero-1781558231833.png","publishDate":"2025-10-31T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_912_2025","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/e58cd2f9-2eff-49ee-b169-30394ac23896/pdf"}