DePuy Synthes, a leader in orthopedic technologies and part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has announced the U.S. commercial launch of VELYS™ Hip Navigation with AI Assistance, a next-generation software platform designed to enhance total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures through artificial intelligence-driven image interpretation and surgical guidance.
The new system represents a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery technology, combining AI-powered automation with real-time intraoperative insights to support surgeons during hip replacement procedures. Available through the VELYS™ Hub platform, the technology aims to improve workflow efficiency, increase procedural consistency, and provide patient-specific data to help optimize surgical outcomes.
The launch comes as demand for total hip arthroplasty continues to rise across the United States. Industry projections estimate that approximately 850,000 hip replacement procedures will be performed annually in the U.S. by 2030, representing a substantial increase of nearly 129% compared with procedure volumes recorded in 2014. As hospitals and surgical centers manage growing patient volumes, healthcare providers are increasingly seeking technologies that can streamline operating room workflows while maintaining high standards of clinical precision.
VELYS™ Hip Navigation with AI Assistance addresses these challenges by automating key aspects of image interpretation and anatomical landmark identification. The system delivers real-time information related to implant positioning, leg length, offset measurements, and cup placement during surgery. By reducing reliance on manual image analysis, the platform is designed to help surgeons access critical information more quickly and make informed decisions throughout the procedure.
According to DePuy Synthes, the AI model powering the platform was trained using geographically diverse, deidentified clinical datasets. Importantly, the company emphasized that the technology follows a “human-in-the-loop” approach, ensuring that surgeons maintain full control over anatomical landmark placement and final clinical decisions. Rather than replacing surgeon judgment, the system is intended to serve as a decision-support tool that enhances precision and efficiency.
Sharrolyn Josse, Global President of Joint Reconstruction at DePuy Synthes, described the launch as a major milestone in the company’s efforts to advance data-driven surgical technologies. She noted that the new platform is designed to simplify workflows, reduce procedural complexity, and provide actionable patient-specific insights without compromising surgeon control.
The software operates on the VELYS™ Hub, a hardware platform developed to support AI-enabled surgical applications. The system includes a 32-inch 4K high-resolution display that offers significantly more viewing space than previous-generation hardware. Additional features include integrated image-capture capabilities for connectivity with C-arm imaging systems and a graphics processing unit (GPU)-optimized architecture designed to deliver real-time data during surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons have highlighted the importance of technologies that can improve consistency in implant positioning and restoration of patient biomechanics during hip replacement procedures. Christopher N. Johnson, D.O., of Ortho Northeast, stated that achieving accurate implant placement is essential to long-term patient outcomes and that AI-assisted navigation systems have the potential to reduce variability and improve operating room efficiency.
The introduction of VELYS™ Hip Navigation with AI Assistance reflects a broader trend toward the adoption of artificial intelligence in surgical settings. As healthcare providers increasingly seek solutions that combine precision, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, AI-powered navigation technologies are expected to play a growing role in orthopedic procedures.
With the commercial launch now underway in the United States, DePuy Synthes is positioning the VELYS™ platform as a next-generation solution designed to help surgeons meet the evolving demands of modern joint replacement surgery while supporting improved patient care and procedural consistency.