Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone. First, it corrects the sideways lean of your metatarsal bone. Second, it stops the abnormal rotation of the bone, which can produce irritation and lead to arthritis. Third, it prevents the bone from arching upward and putting pressure on your other toes.
This “3D” surgery also stabilizes the joint so the bunion won’t come back. The surgeon fuses the unstable joint on the metatarsal bone in your forefoot in your joint with titanium plates.
Because the lapiplasty surgery is new, there isn’t a lot of long-term data, but data from multiple centers shows that almost 100% of patients with lapiplasty surgery had maintained the correction after a year.
Lapiplasty has been called a “paradigm shift ” in bunion correction surgery. The surgeon no longer has to cut freehand. A patented instrument holds the metatarsal bone in correct position in all three dimensions at the same time before the surgeon makes any cuts. A special instrument guide enables the surgeon to make extremely accurate cuts to the joint. The variability that occurs with freehand cuts disappears.
Lapiplasty not only is revolutionizing bunion surgery for the surgeon, but also for the patient. The new procedure allows most patients to start bearing weight and walking on the affected foot in two to three days. That’s much quicker than after traditional bunion surgery.
You’ll be in a walking boot for six to eight weeks after the surgery, allowing time for the bone to heal. Then you’ll graduate to running shoes. If you’re an athlete, you’ll need to refrain from high energy sports for about three to four months to ensure total healing. Otherwise, there are no restrictions once healing takes place.
Call City Podiatry, or book an appointment online for the most advanced treatment of bunions and expert care for all of your podiatric needs.
