Johnson & Johnson MedTech, a global leader in orthopaedic technologies and solutions, has announced the first cases of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for use in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) procedures in Europe.
The expanded indication builds upon the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution (VRAS) platform used in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), which equips surgeons with the information needed to help preserve the soft tissue envelope, predict joint stability and work toward returning knee function.
The VRAS UKA clinical application is designed exclusively to work with the SIGMA HP Partial Knee Implant and INTUITION INSTRUMENTS. The SIGMA HP Partial Knee has demonstrated ‘significantly better’ 15-year survivorship compared to class. The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for UKA can deliver reproducible resections and precise placement of SIGMA HP Partial Knee components without the need for a CT scan.
“With the number of patients with osteoarthritis in Europe rising, surgeons are looking for solutions that address some of the key unmet patient and clinical needs in the partial knee segment,” said Sarah Mueller, Vice President, Orthopaedics EMEA, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “The combination of VELYS Robotic Assisted Surgery and our clinically proven SIGMA HP Partial Uni-Compartmental Knee enables a more personalized procedure with the potential to drive reproducible outcomes and improve patient outcomes.”
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, otherwise known as partial knee replacement, offers clinical benefits and a cost-effective alternative to TKA. Despite the benefits, UKA is underutilised due to complexities that include smaller incisions and lack of visibility. Robotics has the opportunity to overcome many of the challenges surgeons face in manual partial knee replacement when they are designed to provide intra-operative insights, more accurate implant alignment and positioning, and more consistent outcomes.
Dr Pieter-Jan Vandekerckhove, who performed the first surgeries in Belgium, at the Orthoclinic Brugge commented: “With an aging population comes a rising demand for personalised treatments in knee replacement surgery. From my experience, the VELYS UKA clinical application enhances accuracy, consistency, and precision compared to manual techniques.
“This innovative solution empowers surgeons to achieve optimal balance and alignment tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Additionally, the UKA application offers precise 3D positioning and real-time insights that support patient-specific operative decisions, providing the surgeon with confidence when navigating soft tissue complexities. I’m excited about this technology, as it represents a significant advancement in tailored solutions that can transform patient outcomes.”
