Johnson & Johnson Launches VIRTUGUIDE™: First AI-Powered Orthopedic Surgical System for Bunion Correction

Johnson & Johnson Announces Launch of AI Surgical System---VIRTUGUIDE. This artificial intelligence-driven personalized solution is specifically designed to support bunion correction surgery (Lapidus procedure), which reconstructs the foot structure by fusing two bones near the arch of the foot (the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform).VIRTUGUIDEUsing the preoperative planning software co-developed with PeekMed, it can evaluate the patient's bunion condition and generate a personalized correction plan.

Expert Evaluation

"VIRTUGUIDE"Completely revolutionized my approach to bunion surgery, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the complex Lapidus procedure. Since adopting VIRTUGUIDE, the surgical correction outcomes have been precisely aligned --- preoperative planning and intraoperative implementation are perfectly consistent. This precision has improved treatment outcomes, and presenting the plan to patients preoperatively has been more effective in answering questions and alleviating anxiety."

Executive Assessment

"As a major breakthrough in treating the debilitating foot condition that affects nearly one-third of American patients, VIRTUGUIDE represents a leap forward in AI-driven surgical precision. The system becomes the latest addition to our VELYS-enabled technology portfolio, reducing surgical complexity and supporting precise correction through automated preoperative planning and customized instrument configuration."

Bunions, as one of the most common foot conditions, affect nearly one-third of American adults. However, the traditional Lapidus corrective surgery is relatively difficult to perform. VIRTUGUIDE artificial intelligenceLapidus ProcedureBy simplifying the process to reduce surgical complexity, early users reported an average saving of at least 30 minutes in operating time compared to the original technology.

VIRTUGUIDE

VIRTUGUIDEIt is an AI software that automatically analyzes anatomical structures based on patient CT or X-ray images, intelligently matches the most suitable Virtual Alignment Correction (VAC) guide plate according to the degree of deformity, and provides a standardized and procedural preoperative planning solution for hallux valgus correction surgery.

VIRTUGUIDE Instrument Set

VIRTUGUIDE Clinical Advantages

• AI Minute-Level Preoperative Planning

Compress preoperative planning time to minute-level through AI software

• Patient-Specific Instrument Matching

Receive customized VAC guides within 24 hours after case planning, significantly shortening the interval from imaging to surgery.

• Reduce Surgical Complexity

Single instrument achieves patient-specific deformity correction, ensuring surgical precision.

• Save Operation Time

Early User Feedback: An Average of 30 Minutes Saved per Lapidus Procedure

• Minimize Bone Resection

VAC Guide Plate Positioning Osteotomy Guide Plate, Maximizing Bone Preservation and Avoiding Shortening of the First Metatarsal Column

• Reduction and Compression Technology

Arrange distal/proximal guide pins through modular design, utilizing aggregated guide pin holes to achieve intraoperative compression.

VIRTUGUIDE Demonstration

Johnson & Johnson has always been committed to addressing the most complex health challenges globally. For a century, we have driven the advancement of surgical care through innovative products such as wound closure, hemostatic assistance, surgical stapling devices, robotics, and digital solutions. Collaborating with clinical experts worldwide, we continue to revolutionize surgical techniques to better meet patient needs in metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.