UC San Diego Health has made medical history by performing the world’s first anterior cervical spine surgery using a fully personalised 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. 

Dr Joseph Osorio conducted the world’s first fully personalised anterior cervical spine implant, created using advanced imaging, AI-assisted planning, and 3D printing. Image: Justin Covington/UC San Diego Health.

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. 

Personalised medicine takes centre stage

While widely performed, the use of standardised implants can compromise spinal alignment, movement, and healing. By introducing personalisation, surgeons now have a way to improve outcomes and reduce risks.

“Every spine is unique, just like a fingerprint,” said Dr Osorio. “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, Dr 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 personalised 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 recognised for its leadership in neurosurgical innovation. The spine programme has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, underscoring its commitment to safety, evidence-based care, and patient outcomes.

In the 2025-26 US News & World Report 'Best Hospitals' rankings, the health system’s neurology and neurosurgery programme was placed among the nation’s top, highlighting its investment in research and advanced technology. 

Looking ahead, Dr 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 standardised process into a truly personalised experience.