Dr. Michael Campbell Leads the Way in AI-Powered Bunion Surgery with the VIRTUGUIDE System
Not all bunions are created equal — and thanks to groundbreaking technology and passionate leadership from experts like Dr. Michael Campbell, the future of bunion correction is now highly personalized, precise, and efficient.
In March 2025, Dr. Campbell made history by performing the first-ever clinical case using the FDA-approved VIRTUGUIDE™ System, bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into the operating room to transform the way bunion surgery is planned and executed.
“I choose the VIRTUGUIDE™ System because it is personalized to match my patient’s specific deformity, and not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
— Dr. Michael Campbell
The Problem with “One-Size-Fits-All” in Bunion Surgery
Every bunion is unique. Traditional surgical methods often use a standardized approach, which can result in inconsistent outcomes and longer recovery times for patients.
Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Campbell championed a new approach: patient-matched deformity correction using AI.
The VIRTUGUIDE™ Software from DePuy Synthes leverages CT or X-ray images to automatically analyze a patient’s foot structure. It then recommends a Virtual Alignment and Correction (VAC) Guide tailored specifically to the patient’s anatomy — no more guesswork, no more generic plans.
What Makes the VIRTUGUIDE System a Game-Changer?
✅ Precision
The AI-driven software analyzes the patient’s unique anatomy and the AI component can learn the surgeon’s preferences over time. The result is a customized correction plan, matched to the patient’s unique deformity. The surgeon has the ability to fine-tune alignment and must confirm all suggestions made by the AI software.
✅ Efficiency
Dr. Campbell noted that the system made surgery “significantly easier and faster,” with his first case completed in just 30 minutes. He describes the system as “elegant in it’s simplicity” — within seconds of exposing the joint, guide pins are placed and the correction is underway.
“Case #1 is done and was remarkably UNeventful. Zero drama. 30 minutes. Perfect correction.”
— Dr. Michael Campbell, on completing the first VIRTUGUIDE™ case
✅ Improved Patient Outcomes
With increased accuracy comes fewer and smaller incisions, better alignment, and faster recovery times. This personalized approach gives patients the benefit of a solution truly designed for their unique needs.
Designed for Surgeons, Built for Simplicity
One of the standout features of the VIRTUGUIDE™ System is its surgeon-friendly interface. The AI autopopulates patient data, requires minimal input, and adjusts based on user preferences. Once in the operating room, the VAC guide provides a fast, low-profile, deformity-specific solution that simplifies the entire procedure.
Dr. Campbell personally uses the dynabunion system to maintain the correction – a dynamic, strong, and biologically friendly, construct.
The Lapidus Evolution is Here
The VIRTUGUIDE™ System represents a major evolution in Lapidus procedures, providing consistent results across surgeons and practices. It allows experts like Dr. Campbell to do what they do best — treat complex foot deformities with accuracy, speed, and confidence.
This is more than just a tool. It’s the future of bunion correction.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Michael Campbell’s leadership and clinical innovation have brought the VIRTUGUIDE™ System to life in real-world settings. His passion and first-hand experience have shown that AI-powered bunion surgery is not just possible — it’s better.
From fewer and smaller incisions to improved patient outcomes, this approach is proving to be a transformative step forward in orthopedic care.
If you’re considering bunion correction, talk to your foot and ankle specialist about patient-matched solutions like the VIRTUGUIDE™ System. Because when it comes to your feet, precision matters.
