UC San Diego Health is the world’s first health system to perform anterior cervical column surgery using a totally personalized implant designed for the unique anatomy of a patient.
The first surgery, performed in July 2025, was an anterior cervical procedure, which implies an incision in the front (previous) of the neck, eliminate a damaged disc and merge the adjacent vertebrae.
The procedure includes a standard artificial disc, placed in the space where a damaged album has been removed. Traditional implants are unique, which can affect alignment, healing and movement. This new technological approach and implant combines advanced images, artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing to create a personalized implant.
Each spine is unique, just like a fingerprint. With this technology, we can create an implant specifically for each patient, instead of asking their body to adapt to a standard device. It is a fundamental change in how we approach complex column surgery. “
Joseph Osorio, MD, PHD, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine of San Diego of the University of California and Neurosurujano at UC San Diego Health
The neurological team that carried out the procedure in UC San Diego Health, directed by Osorio, captured detailed spheres of the patient’s neck to measure the backbone with precision. The planning assisted by AI then determined the design of the implant, which was printed in 3D in a medical grade titanium for use in the procedure.
This level of customization could change the lives of patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease or spinal deformities because it allows a more precise spinal alignment, reduction of more rapid surgical complications and recovery times. By preserving healthy anatomy and improving structural support, patients can recover mobility before, experience less pain and have a lower probability of needing additional corrective surgeries, significantly improving quality of life and long -term function.
“This is the first step in a bigger transformation,” said Osorio. “We imagine a future where each implant, either for the spine, the hip or knee, is made for a person, not produced in mass for all.”
The previous cervical fusion has been carried out since the 1950s and remains one of the most common column procedures, which makes this achievement a first historic.
“This milestone offers the promise of personalized medicine for column surgery,” said Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA, president of the Department of Neurosurgery of the School of Medicine of UC San Diego and Neurosurujano in UC San Diego Health. “This first case exemplifies how device innovation and meticulous surgical technique can restore the function for our patients. We are expanding what is possible in the treatment of complex spinal conditions in UC San Diego Health.”
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a national leader in neurosurgical modernization. The column program has obtained the accreditation of the Joint Commission of Excellence in the surgery of the spine, which reflects the commitment of the health system with patient safety, quality results and evidence -based care.
In the ranking “Best Hospitals” by US News & World Report 2025–26, the UC Neurosurgery Program of UC San Diego Health was named among the best in the nation, highlighting the dedication to research, technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Spine program brings together neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists and experts in pain management to provide comprehensive care to each patient, from non -surgical treatments to the most complex procedures.
Fountain:
University of California – San Diego
(Tagstotransilate) Surgery
