Over 65 million Americans are affected by big toe deformities known as bunions. Many sufferers endure daily pain, pressure, and discomfort at the big toe joint—and the longer the condition goes uncorrected, the more likely it is to affect a patient's gait and ability to walk normally.

While bunion surgery has been around for decades, a breakthrough procedure has recently been developed for bunion correction. Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ involves a 3D approach to correcting big toe deformities, stabilizing the joint with advanced fixation technology that allows patients to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

What Is Lapiplasty®?

Traditional bunion surgery focuses on "shaving down" the protruding bone and straightening the big toe back into proper alignment. While this procedure is still effective for many patients, it does little to stabilize the joint at the base of the big toe, the underlying cause of bunion deformity.

Lapiplasty® corrects a bunion deformity from all possible angles, returning the deviated bone to normal 3D alignment before securing it into position with titanium plates.

The procedure addresses all of the ways bones can shift as bunions form, including:

  • To the side. As the bone at the base of the big toe shifts outward, it pulls the big toe joint out of alignment, causing the signature "bump" of a bunion.
  • Upward. As the bump develops, the big toe begins to rise off the floor, displacing your body weight onto the ball of the foot and your remaining toes.
  • Out of rotation. Progressive shifting of the bone can force it to rotate into an unnatural position, causing abnormal wear and tear on the joint. Over time, this can result in arthritis in the toes and feet, severe joint pain, and hammertoes.

What Happens During Lapiplasty® Surgery?

Lapiplasty® is an outpatient surgery, with most procedures taking about an hour to complete. Our podiatrists use unique imaging technology to provide a full view of the bones and tissues of the foot as we operate, reducing potential complications as the procedure progresses.

The goals of the procedure are:

  • Restore the natural 3D anatomy of the foot
  • Fix the unstable joint
  • Provide a permanent correction that eliminates future bunions.

First, we use a special positioning instrument to reposition the bone at the base of the big toe back to its proper alignment. Once the bone has been rotated and restored to its natural position, the instrument holds it in place during the next step of the procedure.

Next, we make small incisions at the base of the bone just above the unstable joint to remove the excess bone. The precise nature of the procedure eliminates unnecessary cuts and damage to surrounding tissues, aiding in recovery time.

Lastly, we secure the joint into the corrected alignment using two small titanium plates. These plates are positioned to prevent unnatural shifting of the bones but still allow natural movement in the foot and toes, allowing patients to retain maximum balance and range of motion.

How Long Will it Take to Recover From Lapiplasty®?

The highly-focused surgical methods and patented titanium plates involved in Lapiplasty have resulted in faster and long-lasting patient recoveries. Most patients don't require casts and can begin moving around and bearing weight in an average of ten days after surgery.

Lapiplasty® recovery usually proceeds as follows:

  • In a few days, patients can often place weight on their affected foot.
  • In 4-6 weeks, patients may resume daily activities with the aid of a walking boot.
  • In 6-8 weeks, patients may start transitioning back into regular shoes.
  • After 4-6 months, most patients are able to resume their regular physical activities.

Is Lapiplasty® Right for Me?

The podiatrists at Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle are pleased to offer this advanced surgical option at our practice. However, we always attempt conservative treatments whenever possible. Let us discuss your options with you and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision on your care.

Call us today at (541) 776-3338 to see if Lapiplasty® is right for you, or visit our contact page to set up an appointment.