Neurosurgeons 3D printed a custom spinal implant for the first time.
Spinal implants are used to correct a variety of conditions in patients. Deformities and degradation are significant issues for some patients, and implants can create more accurate spinal alignment. This is beneficial not only in the short term for the patient, but also can prevent the need for future corrective surgeries.
Traditional spinal implants are designed in a mass-manufactured approach: each type of implant is designed once and manufactured over and over. They do work, although there are differences from patient to patient. Spinal fusion surgery has been done in this way for decades, and is apparently quite common.
The team at UC San Diego Health took a step that has never been done before. They developed a process to create a customized spinal implant that precisely matches the patient’s spinal structure.
UCSD explains:
“The neurosurgical team that performed the procedure at UC San Diego Health, led by Osorio [associate professor of neurological surgery], captured detailed scans of the patient’s neck to measure the spine precisely. AI-assisted planning then determined the implant design, which was 3D printed in medical-grade titanium for use in the procedure.”
Customization of the implant is obviously better for the patient, as it would ensure more accurate motion and lead to fewer complications in the future.
For 3D printing, this might be a very important development. There are only a few true “killer apps” for 3D printing: lightweight aerospace parts, dental aligners, and several others. Most of the profitable 3D print applications are based on the concept of customization: they are made only for a specific person.
It could be that this approach might lead to a new killer app for 3D printing: customized spinal implants.
The question is the cost of doing the process from end to end. The press release does not explore the financial feasibility of this approach. However, medical procedures of this type are already significantly expensive. That’s also one of the characteristics of a successful 3D print application, so it may be that customized spinal implants could be commercially viable.
If so, we would see an ecosystem develop around the concept, including software for implant design, titanium production, and training systems.
That, in turn, would lead to more sales of 3D printers, materials, and services.
Via UCSD
