J&J’s DePuy Synthes inks deal to buy orthopedic surgery tech

J&J’s DePuy Synthes inks deal to buy orthopedic surgery tech

May 27, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

DePuy Synthes, the orthopedics business of Johnson & Johnson, has reached an agreement to acquire Gemtrack, a real-time tracking technology developed by the French medtech company MinMaxMedical. Under the terms of the deal, DePuy Synthes will hold selective rights to manufacture, develop, and commercialize the technology.

Advancing Surgical Navigation

The Gemtrack system utilizes radiofrequency tracking to provide real-time data during surgical procedures. This approach serves as an alternative to existing orthopedic robotics and navigation systems that typically depend on infrared cameras and a direct line of sight.

Current industry standards often require the use of invasive anchors or bulky arrays attached directly to the patient. The radiofrequency-enabled system could eliminate these requirements, potentially supporting more continuous and accurate tracking during surgery.

Did You Know? DePuy Synthes has a history of collaboration with MinMaxMedical founder Stéphane Lavallée, having previously acquired his robotic-assisted surgery startup, Orthotaxy, in 2018.

Integration with Joint Portfolios

DePuy Synthes plans to implement this technology across its entire joints portfolio, including procedures for the hip, knee, and shoulder. The company aims to be the first to bring radiofrequency miniature tracker technology to the joint reconstruction market.

DePuy Synthes TRUMATCH CMF 2014

By integrating Gemtrack with its Velys platform, the company hopes to establish a new standard for robotic-assisted and image-guided joint surgery. This combination is intended to address the limitations found in current infrared-based systems.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the shift from infrared to radiofrequency tracking represents a significant move toward reducing surgical invasiveness. By removing the need for direct line-of-sight and invasive pins, surgeons may gain greater flexibility and precision in the operating room.

Corporate Transitions and Future Outlook

This acquisition follows a pattern of strategic partnerships with organizations associated with Stéphane Lavallée. In addition to Orthotaxy, Lavallée’s company eCential Robotics collaborated with Johnson & Johnson to develop the Velys Spine navigation platform and surgical robot.

The deal coincides with Johnson & Johnson’s plans to spin out its orthopedics business, a move announced in October. An analyst from Edward Jones suggested that this separation could allow DePuy Synthes to focus more intensely on innovation.

While a specific timeline for the commercial launch of Gemtrack has not been released, the company may provide further details on milestones as regulatory pathways progress. Such a transition could potentially lead to a faster pace of bringing new products to market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gemtrack technology?
Gemtrack is a radiofrequency tracking technology designed for real-time use during orthopedic procedures, offering an alternative to infrared-based navigation.

How does this differ from current orthopedic navigation systems?
Most current systems rely on infrared cameras, direct line-of-sight tracking, and invasive pins or bulky arrays attached to the patient, whereas Gemtrack uses radiofrequency tracking.

Which procedures will the technology be used for?
The technology is intended for use across the joints portfolio, specifically for shoulder, hip, and knee procedures.

How do you think the move toward less invasive tracking technology will impact the future of joint reconstruction surgery?