Successful execution of the world's initial cervical spine surgery employing a tailor-made titanium implant, produced through 3D printing technology.

UC San Diego Health made history in July 2025 by performing the world's first anterior cervical spine surgery using a fully personalized implant. This innovative procedure, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Osorio, associate professor of neurological surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, represents a significant leap forward in patient-specific care.

The personalized implant was meticulously crafted from medical-grade titanium to match the exact dimensions of the patient's spine. This approach could be transformative for patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal deformities.

The surgery, which took place at UC San Diego Health, utilised advanced imaging, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing to create an implant tailored to the patient's unique anatomy. This personalized approach may shorten recovery times, preserve more healthy anatomy, lower complication rates, and even reduce the likelihood of repeat surgeries.

This groundbreaking procedure sets a new standard for how spinal conditions may be treated in the future. In fact, the first fully personalized anterior vertebral body implants were developed by a team led by Professor Dr. med. Jens R. Chapman and were implanted in July 2025 in a patient at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany.

UC San Diego Health has long been recognised for its leadership in neurosurgical innovation. The spine program at UC San Diego Health has earned accreditation from The Joint Commission, underscoring its commitment to safety, evidence-based care, and patient outcomes.

It's worth noting that the use of standardized implants in spinal surgery can compromise spinal alignment, movement, and healing. The personalized implant approach offers a promising solution to this issue, ensuring a more precise and effective treatment for patients.

UC San Diego Health's pioneering work in personalized implants for spinal surgery could revolutionise the field, improving outcomes and reducing risks for countless patients in the years to come.

Successful execution of the world's initial cervical spine surgery employing a tailor-made titanium implant, produced through 3D printing technology.