Johnson & Johnson MedTech launched its VirtuGuide system, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, patient-matched solution to support Lapidus procedures.

A Lapidus procedure is a type of bunion surgery that helps realign the foot by joining two bones near the arch. VirtuGuide uses pre-operative planning software developed in collaboration with PeekMed to assess each patient’s bunion and make personalized recommendations for the intended correction.

Traditional Lapidus surgery to treat bunions can be challenging. The system enables a streamlined approach and reduces surgical complexity, the company said. Early users estimated procedural time savings of at least 30 minutes when using the system compared to their previous technique, J&J MedTech also said.

Michael Campbell, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists said VirtuGuide completely transformed his approach to bunion surgery, making a complex Lapidus procedures significantly easier and faster.

Since adopting VIRTUGUIDE, my surgical corrections have been spot-on—what I plan preoperatively is exactly what I achieve in the operating room,” Dr. Campbell told the press. “This improved accuracy leads to better outcomes, and the ability to present the pre-operative plan to my patients helps address their questions and ease their concerns.”

This launch follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance granted earlier this year for the pre-operative planning software. The system is now available in the U.S.

“The VIRTUGUIDE System is a pivotal advancement in AI-powered surgical precision for treating bunion deformities—a common, painful, and potentially debilitating condition affecting nearly one-third of Americans,” said Oray Boston, Worldwide President of Trauma, Extremities, Craniomaxillofacial, Animal Health and Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “This milestone marks an important step forward, as VIRTUGUIDE becomes the latest addition to our growing portfolio of VELYS Enabling Tech solutions. By automating surgical planning and tailoring instrumentation to each patient, the system helps reduce complexity in the operating room and helps surgeons to achieve the intended correction.”