Carlsmed aprevo® Personalized Spine Implants | Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D.

What Are aprevo Personalized Implants?

Most spinal fusion surgery uses off-the-shelf implants — interbody spacers that come in a limited range of stock sizes and shapes. The surgeon picks the closest fit and adapts the operation around it. The Carlsmed aprevo® platform flips that approach: it builds the implant around you.

aprevo combines AI-enabled surgical planning with 3D-printed, patient-specific implants. Starting from your own CT scan, Dr. Hobbs and the aprevo software design a surgical plan to your target alignment, and a personalized titanium device is 3D printed to match your unique anatomy. The goal is to more precisely restore your spine's natural alignment — which is closely linked to better outcomes and a lower chance of needing revision surgery.

aprevo personalized interbody devices are FDA 510(k) cleared for lumbar interbody fusion, and the technology has earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation. Dr. Hobbs was the first surgeon in the central United States to use them.

The aprevo Process, Step by Step

From CT scan to confirmed result, every personalized device follows the same five-step pathway.

The aprevo process: CT Scan creates a precise 3D model of the spine; 3D Plan and Design uses AI-enabled software to match the surgeon's desired alignment and design patient-specific devices; Manufacture 3D-prints the approved devices; Device Delivery brings the sterile personalized implants to the operating room; Data Intelligence measures post-operative images to confirm the surgical goals were achieved.

1

CT Scan
Your CT scan is used to create a precise 3D model of your spine — the foundation for personalized planning.

2

3D Plan & Design
aprevo AI-enabled software builds a surgical plan to the target alignment, and patient-specific devices are designed to your anatomy.

3

Manufacture
Once Dr. Hobbs approves the plan and device design, your personalized implants are 3D printed.

4

Device Delivery
Your devices arrive in the operating room sterile and ready for implantation during surgery.

5

Data Intelligence
Your post-operative images are measured and analyzed to confirm the operative goals were achieved.

Pre-Op

AI-Enabled 3D Surgical Planning

The aprevo planning software combines AI-enabled segmentation with prior outcomes data to develop a personalized surgical plan and devices for each patient.

Detailed 3D patient data, the latest spinopelvic parameter classifications, normative alignment targets, and real-world post-operative data are all used to inform and enhance your surgical plan before the procedure begins.

Pre-op aprevo AI-enabled 3D surgical planning shown on a tablet, with a 3D spine model and personalized interbody devices.

Intra-Op

Advanced Visualization & Precision Execution

3D correction and precision alignment are built into each aprevo personalized interbody device, helping ensure that each patient's personalized treatment plan extends seamlessly into the operating room.

The myaprevo® app gives Dr. Hobbs and the OR team intuitive, detailed 3D plan and device visualizations that aid in attaining precise correction and predictably achieving the surgical plan.

Post-Op

Enhanced Reproducibility & Integrated Intelligence

Personalized digital insights are translated into action to help improve care and enhance reproducibility from one patient to the next.

aprevo intelligence leverages AI-driven systems to analyze post-operative surgical data — comparing the plan to the achieved result — helping surgeons achieve greater precision and predictability over time.

Post-op aprevo analysis on a monitor comparing pre-op, plan, and post-op X-rays with intervertebral and lumbar alignment measurements.

Why Personalized Implants Matter

In spine surgery, restoring proper alignment is one of the strongest predictors of a lasting result. Personalized implants are designed to hit that target more reliably than stock hardware.

Built to Your Anatomy
Designed from your own CT scan rather than chosen from stock sizes

Precise Alignment
Engineered to restore your natural spinal alignment and balance

Aim to Reduce Revisions
Better alignment is associated with a lower likelihood of revision surgery

AI-Guided Planning
Plans informed by AI segmentation and real-world outcomes data

Why Choose Dr. Hobbs for Personalized Spine Surgery

First in the Central U.S.
First surgeon in the central United States to use the Carlsmed aprevo personalized implant

Deformity & Alignment Expertise
Specialty-trained in correcting complex spinal deformities and restoring alignment

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery

Elite Training
University of Kentucky medical degree; neurosurgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident

Technology-Forward Care
Pairs aprevo with image-guided navigation and AI-assisted planning for precise, individualized surgery

Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Practicing at Northwest Indiana's most preferred orthopedic and spine practice

Frequently Asked Questions About aprevo Personalized Implants

aprevo is a personalized spine implant system that combines AI-enabled surgical planning with 3D-printed, patient-specific interbody devices. Instead of using a standard, off-the-shelf implant, Dr. Hobbs uses a device custom-designed from each patient's own CT scan and surgical plan to precisely match their unique anatomy and target spinal alignment.

The process has five steps. First, the patient's CT scan is used to create a precise 3D model of the spine. Second, aprevo AI-enabled software designs a surgical plan and patient-specific devices to match the surgeon's desired alignment. Third, the devices are 3D printed once the surgeon approves the plan. Fourth, the sterile, personalized devices are delivered to the operating room. Fifth, post-operative images are measured to confirm the surgical goals were achieved.

Standard interbody implants come in a limited range of stock sizes and shapes, so the surgeon must fit the patient to the device. A personalized aprevo implant is built to the individual's anatomy and planned correction, which is designed to more precisely restore natural spinal alignment. Achieving proper alignment is associated with better outcomes and a lower likelihood of revision surgery, which is needed in a meaningful share of traditional fusions.

Yes. Carlsmed's aprevo personalized interbody devices are FDA 510(k) cleared for lumbar interbody fusion, and the technology has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation. Dr. Hobbs uses aprevo for appropriate patients as part of a personalized surgical plan.

Personalized aprevo implants are used in spinal fusion procedures where restoring proper alignment is important — including degenerative conditions and adult spinal deformity. Dr. Hobbs determines whether a personalized device is right for you based on your anatomy, alignment, and surgical goals.

Yes. Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. was the first surgeon in the central United States to use the Carlsmed aprevo personalized interbody implant. He offers it to appropriate patients at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, with offices in Crown Point, Chesterton, and Portage, Indiana.

Ask About a Personalized Approach

If you're facing spinal fusion, ask Dr. Hobbs whether a personalized aprevo implant is right for your anatomy and alignment goals. Call today to schedule a consultation.

(219) 250-5010

Monday – Friday · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Crown Point Office

500 E. 109th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307

Chesterton Office

601 Gateway Boulevard
Chesterton, IN 46304