Our bodies are not alike. Our bones and anatomy are different. In the world of medicine, doctors personalize their treatment to the individual. Surgeons do the same, adjusting their methods based on a patient’s unique anatomical structure.

In orthopedic or trauma surgery, bones are cut to make a medical device, or implant, fit the repair. This is best practice for the hundreds of thousands of knee and hip joint replacement surgeries performed each year, some of the most common surgeries in the U.S. Those implants are plucked off the shelf and made to fit.

But emerging technology, such as 3D printing, computer-aided design software, and advanced imaging, has enhanced the development of patient-matched medical technology. The patient’s bone is not altered to fit the device, for example. The device is made bespoke to match the patient, creating an improved fit and better medical outcomes.

Patient-matched (or patient-specific) technology refers to medical devices, implants, or tools that are designed and created specifically for one individual—using their unique anatomical data, typically derived from imaging like CT or MRI scans. Think of it as the opposite of “one-size-fits-all” devices that are ubiquitous today.  Examples include 3D-printed orthopedic implants for the foot, ankle, and shoulder; customized surgical guides; and dental prosthetics tailored to a single patient’s mouth structure.

There’s a massive amount of tech behind the trend. It’s about using advanced imaging and data processing, AI-driven modeling, artistic skill, 3D printing, and additive manufacturing, as well as cloud platforms for data collaboration. All these components, and working step-by-step with the surgical team, ensure a high level of accuracy and fit that traditional, off-the-shelf solutions can never achieve.

True patient-matched technology means better fit, better function, less risk, and faster recovery. Improved fit means better function as well as greater patient satisfaction from a device that feels more comfortable and natural.

The custom tools that patient-matched technology provides can streamline procedures, reduce OR time, and enhance accuracy for even the most skilled surgeon.

Even though the name oversimplifies the complexity, in truth, the entire implant customization process requires more pre-operative planning and depends on access to advanced technologies, creative designers, and skilled engineers. Surgeons are closely collaborating with makers of patient-matched devices to improve and speed up the process. Some in the industry believe they develop customized medical implants because they are “close” to patient-matched. In the field of surgical care, perfection matters.

“Patient-matched technology” isn’t just a marketing term—it’s a new frontier of individualized care powered by technological advancements. True individual personalization is the result of a clinical change in thinking and technological capabilities working in tandem. We make our implants fit the patient. We don’t make our patient fit the implants.

Nancy Hairston is president and CEO of MedCAD, a Dallas-based manufacturer of patient-specific medical devices and surgical guides.