Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in orthopaedic innovation, has announced the launch of the VIRTUGUIDE™ System, an advanced, AI-driven solution designed to assist surgeons in performing Lapidus procedures—a common surgical approach for correcting bunions by fusing two bones near the arch of the foot.

Developed in collaboration with PeekMed®, the VIRTUGUIDE™ System integrates sophisticated pre-operative planning software to deliver patient-specific recommendations for bunion correction. The system tailors surgical instrumentation to each patient, supporting improved accuracy and consistency in the operating theatre.

Bunions affect nearly one-third of adults in the United States, often causing pain and mobility issues. Traditional Lapidus procedures, while effective, can be technically demanding and time-consuming. The VIRTUGUIDE™ System addresses these challenges by streamlining workflow and reducing surgical complexity. According to early adopters, the system has demonstrated time savings of at least 30 minutes per procedure compared to conventional techniques.

“VIRTUGUIDE™ has completely transformed my approach to bunion surgery,” said Dr Michael Campbell, FAAOS, orthopaedic surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists. “It significantly simplifies a complex Lapidus procedure. What I plan pre-operatively is precisely what I achieve intra-operatively. This accuracy leads to better outcomes, and being able to show the plan to patients helps ease their concerns.”

The launch follows the FDA 510(k) clearance of the system’s Pre-operative Planning Software earlier this year. Now commercially available in the United States, VIRTUGUIDE™ is the latest addition to VELYS™ Enabling Technologies, Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s expanding portfolio of digital surgery solutions.

“The VIRTUGUIDE™ System represents a pivotal advancement in AI-powered surgical precision for treating bunion deformities,” said Oray Boston, Worldwide President, Trauma, Extremities, Craniomaxillofacial, Animal Health and Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “By automating surgical planning and customising instrumentation to each patient, we’re helping surgeons reduce complexity and achieve the intended correction with greater ease.”

With this launch, Johnson & Johnson MedTech reinforces its commitment to empowering surgeons with cutting-edge technology and reshaping the future of personalised orthopaedic care.