Jonathan Hobbs, MD, a neurosurgeon at Chesterton, Ind.-based Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, performed what the practice says is the nation’s first fully customized posterior spinal fusion: a two-level lumbar interbody fusion combining patient-specific interbody cages and rods.
The procedure was performed at Valparaiso, Ind.-based Northwest Health – Porter and fused the two lowest levels of the spine, L4-S1, according to a Sept. 28 news release.
Dr. Hobbs used Carlsmed’s patient-specific aprevo TLIF interbody cages and Medtronic’s patient-specific UNiD rods. Both implants were designed using the patient’s X-rays and CT scans and manufactured before surgery according to a surgical plan Dr. Hobbs reviewed and approved.
Traditional spinal fusion uses standard-sized cages and rods that surgeons bend during the procedure. The patient-specific approach establishes an alignment goal before surgery and manufactures the hardware to match that plan.
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