Standard off-the-shelf implants don’t always match the anatomy well. Custom rods and patient-specific implants are manufactured to match an individual patient’s own spinal geometry, offering an additional option in most scoliosis cases.
Who This Is For
Custom implants are typically considered for patients undergoing spinal fusion or scoliosis surgery, unusual curve patterns, significant prior surgery and altered anatomy, or specific anatomical challenges where standard implant shapes and sizes don’t provide an adequate fit. This represents the majority of Dr. Sardar’s patients within scoliosis, spinal deformity, and revision surgery.
How Custom Implants Are Made
- Detailed imaging: A CT scan captures the patient’s specific spinal anatomy in detail.
- 3D modeling: A digital model of the patient’s spine is built to design an implant — most commonly a contoured rod — that matches the planned correction for that specific anatomy.
- Manufacturing: The implant is manufactured to specification before surgery, based on the surgical plan developed with the surgeon.
- Surgical use: The custom implant is used during surgery as part of the broader reconstruction, alongside standard surgical technique and judgment.
Custom Implants vs. Standard Implants
Most spine surgeons still use standard off the shelf implants that are generic shape and size. Dr. Sardar believes in individualized planning for every scoliosis and deformity patient. He uses custom implants that are planned and manufactured for each specific patient according to their anatomy and surgical plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every scoliosis surgeon use custom implants?
No. Most scoliosis and spinal deformity surgeons uses standard implants. Dr. Sardar uses custom implants for most of his patients because he believes in individualized surgical planning for every one of his patients.
How long does it take to manufacture a custom implant?
Manufacturing timelines vary by case and device, and surgery is scheduled to allow adequate time for the implant to be designed and produced before the planned procedure.
Are custom implants better than standard implants?
Custom implants are matched to each patient’s specific anatomy and surgical plan to make the outcomes as precise as possible.
Will insurance cover a custom implant?
Most insurances will cover custom implants.
Request a Consultation
To learn whether custom implants may be relevant to your case, call 212-932-5187 or visit the contact page.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation.
Reviewed by Dr. Zeeshan Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C — Last reviewed: June 2026.