Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions

3D Bunion Correction is an outpatient procedure which typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Anesthesia will be used to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
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Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions

Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions

  • (847) 390-7666
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(847) 390-7666

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Table of Contents

Treatment For Bunions With Lapiplasty

What are Bunions?

Bunions (hallux valgus) are painful bony bumps that form on the outer edges of the foot, at the base of the toe joint. They rarely develop from additional growths of bone, but rather occur when normal bones move out of position. The big toe drifts towards the lesser toes while the long bone it is connected to drifts the opposite way. As a result, the bones move out of alignment, forming a bump. Bunions can occur on either side of the front part of the foot but are most often seen at the base of the big toe. If allowed to progress, bunions can cause a partial dislocation of the toe.

What is Lapiplasty?

In many cases, bunions can be treated through non-invasive means such as orthotic shoe inserts, foot pads, anti-inflammatory medication, or switching to a wider, more comfortable, or otherwise more accommodating shoe. However, once the condition progresses and does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery is the only effective means to correct bunions.

Lapiplasty (also referred to as 3D Bunion Correction Surgery) is a surgery which directly addresses the biomechanical cause of bunions. The procedure involves moving one of the joints of the foot back to its normal alignment using implants to provide support and stability. This will correct the bunion deformity and reduce the risks of recurrence.

How do you prepare for Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions?

You and your podiatrist will review your medical history, symptoms and treatment history before deciding if Lapiplasty is the right surgery for you. This is an outpatient procedure and you should have someone present to drive you home following surgery.

Why is Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions performed?

Bunion Correction

Over the past 150 years, many surgical procedures have been utilized to correct bunion deformities. Historically, there has been a recurrence rate of up to 25% in some patients. Until now, all bunion surgical methods soley treated bunions by removing the “bump” that forms without correcting the underlying cause. With our state-of-the-art Lapiplasty procedure, both the symptom and the cause of the bunion are repaired; both reducing the recurrence rate and providing improved mobility.

How Is Lapiplasty Different From Traditional Bunion Treatments?

Traditional bunion surgery usually addresses the bony bump by removing part of the bone and realigning the bones. While this is effective at eliminating pain for many patients, it does not solve the underlying problem of joint instability. If your toe joint alignment is not repaired, there is a greater chance that the bunion will recur in the future.

With Lapiplasty, the bone is carefully shifted and rotated back into its original position while being reinforced with stabilizing titanium plates. This realigns the joint ensuring that the bunion will not return in the future.

What can you expect during Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions?

3D Bunion Correction is an outpatient procedure which typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Anesthesia will be used to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Following a brief observation period after the Lapiplasty has been performed, you will be able to go home the same day.

What is the followup and recovery like for Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions?

Recovery from Lapiplasty surgery is typical of other bunion procedures. Full weight-bearing function will typically return in two to three weeks. However, this state-of-the-art treatment sometimes allows patients to weight-bearing in as little as a few days. Overall, recovery varies depending on the patient’s age and weight, the severity of the bunion, and other factors. Those who have undergone Lapiplasty surgery usually return to unrestricted activities, like running and playing sports, as soon as three to four months.

What are the potential costs for Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions?

Bunions are an orthopedic health issue that often causes pain and discomfort. Bunion correction surgery is often covered by insurance. Contact your provider to learn whether or not your insurance covers such surgical intervention.

What are the potential risks for Lapiplasty Procedure for Bunions?

3D Bunion Correction is generally a safe procedure. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks of infection. There is also a chance that the plates could become loose, bent, or cracked, causing pain or loss of alignment, requiring repeat surgery.

Are there related treatments to Lapiplasty Surgery for Bunions?

Weil Foot & Ankle offers Scarfplasty, another procedure that is highly effective at treating bunions.

Want to learn more? Contact our office!

Please call our podiatry offices if you have any additional questions about Weil Foot & Ankle Institute’s Lapiplasty treatment for bunions, and we will be happy to provide you with all the information you may need. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss Lapiplasty as an option for your bunion treatment, to treat your bunion, call our office or click here to use our convenient online appointment request form.

Meet Weil Foot & Ankle Institute

Weil Foot & Ankle Institute was founded in 1965, by Dr. Lowell Weil Sr, who was inspired by a need to progress the Foot & Ankle Care category into the future through innovation. As one of the first Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Dr. Weil…
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By: Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Published: May 20th, 2022
Review By: Lowell Weil Jr., DPM – Jan 19th, 2023

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