Let’s cut through the noise. J&J’s new VELYS Spine system, hyped in BoneZone’s “VELYS Spine Shows What’s Next in Enabling Tech Innovation,” is a masterclass in marketing spin. (summary below).
Cleared by the FDA in August 2024, with a “screw release mode” to fix robotic glitches, and a user-friendly interface. They claim it reduces surgeons’ cognitive load and paves the way for digital surgery. J&J even snagged a 2025 OMTEC Award for this. Sounds revolutionary, right?
Wrong.
This is a shiny distraction. The article barely mentions patient outcomes—because that’s not the point.
Robots like VELYS are hospital marketing bait, luring patients with futuristic vibes while driving device company sales. They’re also access barriers, locking out smaller players who can’t afford the tech arms race. And the cost? Astronomical, with no clear evidence it’s worth it.
Here’s the truth: robots aren’t even better.
FACT - Hip surgeons perform better than robots in hip replacements [Dr David Kirwan on BoneChat]. [Pubmed - Robotic-Assisted Surgery Does Not Decrease Prosthetic Impingement in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrieval Analysis].
FACT - Experienced total knee surgeons perform better ...
