UC San Diego Health is the first health system on the West Coast to perform spine surgery using a new robotic system with advanced imaging and guidance, marking a major advance in surgical care. Joseph Osorio, MD, a neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health and chief of spine surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, was chosen to lead the launch because of his expertise in complex spine surgeries and long history of bringing innovative treatments to patients.
This platform fundamentally changes the way we think about spine surgery. For the first time, we integrate artificial intelligence, data-driven alignment planning, patient-specific implants, navigation, and robotic screw delivery in one system. This level of precision and coordination allows us to operate more efficiently while significantly improving patient safety. ”
Joseph Osorio, MD, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
This new robotic system combines smart computer technology, customized implants, imaging, and robotic assistance to help surgeons operate with greater precision. The robot also provides a detailed 3D view of the patient’s spine, further enhancing safety measures when placing implants.
“AI-driven planning and patient-specific implants enable personalized surgical plans that improve functional outcomes for patients,” said Alexander Caressi, MD, MBA, chief innovation officer at UC San Diego Health and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “These capabilities, combined with intraoperative imaging, navigation, and robotic workflow, allow surgeons to perform surgeries accurately, safely, and efficiently. Patients leave the operating room confident that the surgeon’s technical goals have been achieved and that a smoother recovery awaits them.”
Surgeons at UC San Diego Health expect this platform to improve outcomes for patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery by increasing consistency and precision while adjusting the position of the spine to each patient’s unique anatomy. The technology also streamlines operating room workflow, reduces surgery time and supports recovery.
“Patients will benefit directly from this advancement, and surgeons will have tools that match the complexity of the conditions they are treating,” Osorio said.
With this launch, UC San Diego Health continues to advance innovation in academic medicine and surgery to bring the best possible brain and spine treatment technologies to patients in Southern California and beyond.
UC San Diego is recognized as a national leader in modernizing neurosurgery. The spine program, in collaboration with our orthopedic surgery faculty partners, has achieved recognition from the Joint Commission for Excellence in Spine Surgery, reflecting the health system’s commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes, and evidence-based care.
From 2025 to 2026 US News & World Report The Best Hospitals ranking ranks UC San Diego’s Neurology and Neurosurgery program among the top in the nation, highlighting its dedication to research, technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Spine Program brings together neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists and pain management experts to provide comprehensive care for patients, from non-surgical treatments to the most complex procedures.
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University of California San Diego
