Geoffrey Appelboom, MD, performed the first 3D printed patient-specific spinal implant procedure in New Jersey at Paterson-based St. Joseph's Health, according to an Oct. 11 press release sent to Becker's.
Dr. Appelboom used a personalized implant to replace a diseased disc in a patient suffering from chronic pain.
Dr. Appelboom is the chief of neurological surgery at St. Joseph's, and an instructor of spine surgery at New York University (New York City) Grossman School of Medicine.
"This new technology will change the way we treat many failed spinal surgeries because it allows us to plan ahead and determine how the implant will fit before performing surgery," Dr. Appelboom said in the release. "This is incredibly important because every patient's spine is unique. Using an implant that is customized for each patient provides unparalleled precision by ensuring proper alignment with the patient’s anatomy."