World’s first cervical spine surgery with 3D-printed custom titanium implant performed
Dr. Joseph Osorio conducted the world’s first fully personalized anterior cervical spine implant, created using advanced imaging, AI-assisted planning, and 3D printing.
UC San Diego Health has made medical history by performing the world’s first anterior cervical spine surgery using a fully personalized implant.
Conducted in July 2025, the procedure represents a leap forward in patient-specific care and sets a new standard for how spinal conditions may be treated in the future.
Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Osorio, associate professor of neurological surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, the operation employed advanced imaging, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing to craft an implant tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all implants, the device was produced in medical-grade titanium to match the exact dimensions of the patient’s spine.
Anterior cervical fusion has been a standard since the 1950s, typically involving the removal of a damaged disc through a small incision in the front of the neck, followed by fusion of the adjacent vertebrae.
Personalized medicine takes center stage
While widely performed, the use of standardized implants can compromise spinal alignment, movement, and healing. By introducing personalization, surgeons now have a way to improve outcomes and reduce risks.
“Every spine is unique, just like a fingerprint,” Osorio said. “With this technology, we can create an implant specifically for each patient, instead of asking their body to adapt to a standard device. It’s a fundamental shift in how we approach complex spine surgery.”
For the July procedure, Osorio’s team captured detailed scans of the patient’s spine before designing the implant with AI-assisted planning. The finished device was 3D printed and used in surgery, offering the patient precise alignment and stronger structural support.
This approach could be transformative for patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal deformities. Tailored implants may shorten recovery times, preserve more healthy anatomy, lower complication rates, and even reduce the likelihood of repeat surgeries.
Dr. Alexander Khalessi, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said the milestone “brings the promise of personalized medicine to spine surgery” and reflects how device innovation and surgical expertise can combine to restore function.
A new era in spine surgery
UC San Diego Health has long been recognized for its leadership in neurosurgical innovation. The spine program has earned accreditation from The Joint Commission, underscoring its commitment to safety, evidence-based care, and patient outcomes.
In the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, the health system’s neurology and neurosurgery program was placed among the nation’s top, highlighting its investment in research and advanced technology.
Looking ahead, Osorio envisions this procedure as just the beginning. “We see a future where every implant—spine, hip, or knee—is designed for one person, not mass-produced for everyone,” he said.
For patients, that future could mean fewer limitations, less pain, and better long-term function, transforming spine surgery from a standardized process into a truly personalized experience.
Neetika Walter With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.