Your Personal Spine Video Guide
Prepared for you by Dr. Qusai Hammouri and the care team
These short videos explain your condition and the surgery we are planning together.
Watch them in order, at your own pace — and bring any questions to your next visit.
How to use this guide
1. Open the camera on your phone.
2. Point it at the square code next to the video you want.
3. Tap the link that appears — the video will open on YouTube.
Every topic comes in three levels. Start with Quick Basics — it only takes a couple of
minutes. If you’d like to know more, move on to Learn More and In Depth. There’s no wrong
place to start.
Step 1 Getting to Know Your Lower Back
Before we talk about what’s wrong, it helps to see what a healthy lower back looks like — the
bones, discs, and nerves we’ll be talking about.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
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Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
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In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
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Step 2 Your Condition: Spondylolisthesis & Pars Defect
A pars defect is a small crack in a part of the vertebra (spine bone). When that crack lets one
bone slip forward over the one below it, it’s called spondylolisthesis (spon-dih-lo-lis-THEE-sis).
These videos explain how this happens and why it can cause pain.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
Scan with phone
Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
Scan with phone
In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
Scan with phone
Step 3 Your Surgery, Part 1: ALIF (Fusion from the Front)
ALIF stands for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Through a small opening at the front of the
belly, we remove the worn disc and place a spacer that helps the two bones grow together —
holding the slipped bone in its proper place.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
Scan with phone
Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
Scan with phone
In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
Scan with phone
Step 4 Your Surgery, Part 2: Fusion from the Back (Pedicle Screws)
In the same operation, small screws and rods are placed from the back of the spine to hold
everything steady while the bones heal together — like an internal brace.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
Scan with phone
Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
Scan with phone
In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
Scan with phone
Step 5 The Robot: Technology That Guides Your Surgeon
Your surgery will use robotic guidance. The robot doesn’t operate on its own — it acts like a
very precise GPS, helping your surgeon place each screw exactly where it should go.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
Scan with phone
Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
Scan with phone
In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
Scan with phone
Step 6 Getting Ready: Your Surgery Checklist
Practical steps to prepare for the day of surgery — what to expect before, during, and right after.
Quick Basics (Level 1 of 3)
A short, simple explanation. Start here.
Scan with phone
Learn More (Level 2 of 3)
More detail about your condition and treatment.
Scan with phone
In Depth (Level 3 of 3)
Detailed information, for those who want to know it all.
Scan with phone
These videos are for education only and don’t replace advice from your doctor. If you have questions, please ask us
at your next visit.