Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ (2024)

At Casper Orthopedics, we understand that bunions can be painful and that they can keep you from enjoying the activities you love. That’s why fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist Dr. Eric Linford offers Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction to help patients with bunions redefine their limits and get back to enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle.

What Is Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction?

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is a surgical procedure that addresses the bunion in three dimensions to correct the source of the problem—the unstable joint. This patented procedure uses advanced fixation technology to secure the correction in place, which allows patients to walk just days after surgery.¹

To learn more about Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction and how it differs from traditional surgery, watch the video below.

Lapiplasty® Patient Education Video from Treace Medical Concepts on Vimeo.

Why Is Traditional Surgery Less Effective?

Traditional bunion surgery uses a two-dimensional approach for a three-dimensional problem. During this procedure, the bone is cut in half and the top part is pushed over to reduce the appearance of the bump. This primarily addresses the symptoms of the bunion, not the source of the problem: the unstable joint. Because of this, most people who undergo traditional surgery have their bunions come back to some degree.³

Additionally, traditional bunion procedures areless effective because:

87% of bunions are misaligned in three dimensions²
The bunion is 12x more likely to come back because the three-dimensional problem is not addressed³
1 in 3 patients are dissatisfied with traditional results⁴
Up to 70% of bunion patients have their bunions return over time⁴

How Does Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction Work?

Unlike traditional bunion surgery, where the bone is cut and shifted over, the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure uses instruments that have been specifically designed to rotate the bone back to its normal position. This naturally straightens the toe, removes the bump, and provides pain relief. Titanium plating technology is then used to secure the unstable foundation, fixing the source of the problem.^5,6

Titanium Plating Technology—Allowing Early Weight-Bearing

The Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure uses two small, anatomically-shaped titanium plates to secure the once unstable foundation of the bunion. The support this provides on multiple planes allows patients to walk just a few days after surgery.¹ This procedure also utilizes two plates instead of one for a similar reason why a basketball player holds the ball with two hands: it is more secure.

Recovery Comparison: Expectations

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction

No casting is needed
Patients are able to bear weight on their foot within days of surgery*
- Walking in a surgical boot for 6 weeks
At 6 – 8 weeks, patients can go back to wearing tennis shoes
Patients are able to walk up to 6 – 8 weeks earlier than traditional surgery

*Smith B, et al. 2017 AOFAS Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA.

Traditional Lapidus Surgery

A cast is required with crutches or a scooter
Patients are not able to bear weight on their foot following surgery**
- Completely off the foot for 6 weeks
At 6 – 8 weeks, patients are walking in a surgical boot
At 12 – 16 weeks, patients can go back to wearing tennis shoes
Patients are 6 – 8 weeks behind Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction patients

**Catanzariti, AR, et al. Jml Foot Ankle Surgery, 38:325-32

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions that are commonly asked by patients as well as their answers:

How long will it take to recover from the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure?

After surgery, patients are usually walking within a few days. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days to a couple of weeks with the use of a surgical boot. Around six weeks, patients can expect to be back to walking in comfortable shoes, such as tennis shoes. However, high-impact activities should not be resumed for three to four months. After four months, patients should be able to return to most activities as well as wear other shoes.⁹

Will I still be able to wear fashionable shoes?

With the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure, most patients will be able to return to their choice of shoes. However, please note that some shoes can bring pain, even for people with normal feet.

Will I still be able to participate in sports after my Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure?

Yes, the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure has no permanent activity limitations once you have fully recovered. Most patients are able to return to the activities they enjoy once the bones are fully healed around four months.⁹

Can this procedure be performed on someone who previously had traditional surgery?

Yes, the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure is an option that can be used when a revision is required. Patients that have previously been treated will still be able to experience the same benefits from the procedure.

I’ve heard the term “reproducible” used when describing this procedure. What does that mean?

Reproducible means that this procedure can easily be repeated and the outcome will be similar. Since this procedure utilizes special, patented instruments, the guesswork is taken out, which allows for repeatable results.

Is the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure an outpatient procedure, and how long does it last?

Yes, the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. This procedure usually lasts just under an hour. However, if any additional surgeries are being performed by your surgeon during this procedure, the time may increase.

To learn more about Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Linford, please call (307) 265-7205 or request an appointment online.

References

Smith B, Santrock R, Dayton P, Hatch D. Immediate Weight Bearing after Biplanar Plantar Fixation of Lapidus: A Multi-Centered Study. 2017 AOFAS Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA.
Kim Y, Kim JS, Young KW, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2015. 36:944-52.
Okuda R, Kinosh*ta M, Yasuda T, et al. JBJS. 2007. 89:2163-72.
Jeuken RM, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2016. 37:687-95.
Dayton P, Ferguson J, Hatch D, Santrock R, Scanlan S, Smith B. 2016. Comparison of the Mechanical Characteristics of a Universal Small Biplane Plating Technique Without Compression Screw and Single Anatomic Plate With Compression Screw. J Foot Ankle Surg. 55:567-71.
Dayton P, Ferguson J, Hatch D, Santrock R, Scanlan S, Smith B. Biplanar Plating with an Anatomic Tension-Side Plate for Lapidus Fusion: Improved Biomechanical Properties. Accepted for presentation at 2017 AOFAS Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. Submitted for publication.
Dayton P, Ferguson J, Hatch D, et al.. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016. 55:567-71.
Catanzariti, AR, et al. Jrnl Foot Ankle Surgery, 38:325-32.
MacMahon, A, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2016. 37: 378-85.

Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ (2024)

FAQs

How successful is Lapiplasty bunion surgery? ›

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.

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Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

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What are the downsides of Lapiplasty? ›

Cons of Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery

These include potential complications like arthritis and avascular necrosis, and nerve damage which may cause limited or uncomfortable sensations in the feet. Some patients may still experience ongoing pain and swelling despite the surgery.

Can you bend your big toe after Lapiplasty? ›

Will I Be Able to Bend My Big Toe after Lapiplasty? Yes, you will still have normal movement of your big toe after this surgery at Bone & Joint Specialists. The fusion in this procedure takes place at the metatarsophalangeal joint. This is deemed to be more of a “non-essential” joint.

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What is the failure rate of Lapiplasty? ›

Since bunions are a 3-dimensional deformity a procedure that corrects all 3 dimensions is required. Osteotomies only correct 2 of the 3 dimensions. Lapiplasty surgery failures are reduced to only 3-5% according to current studies. Lapiplasty recovery time is also shorter!

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Is the bone cut in Lapiplasty? ›

Unlike an osteotomy, lapiplasty does not involve cutting or shaving the bones. Instead, it uses advanced instruments to push the entire metatarsal bone back into place.

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Has anyone corrected a bunion without surgery? ›

Other non-surgical treatments for bunions include injections of cortisone or oral anti-inflammatory medication and wearing custom-made shoes that accommodate the bunion deformity. Both help provides comfort and relieve pain, but do not reduce the abnormal angles that underlie the bunion deformity.

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Has anyone reversed bunion? ›

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions.

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Is bunion correction surgery worth it? ›

The majority of patients are very happy with their bunion operation. Assuming the patient follows the postoperative instructions carefully, the outcomes are very good. There are risks of bunion surgery, however. Delayed bone healing can occur with any foot surgery, but this is rare.

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Which is better, bunionectomy or lapiplasty? ›

The Lapiplasty can make the correction of severe sized bunions more stable and predictable but is not necessary for most bunion deformities. In some instances, this operation can allow patients with severe sized bunions to weight bear earlier than with other similar procedures.

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Who is not a candidate for Lapiplasty? ›

You are not a candidate for the Lapiplasty^® Procedure if the following applies: Pediatric patient aged less than 12 years of age. Adolescent patients aged between 12-21 years of age where the implant will cross open growth plates in skeletally immature patients.

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Will insurance pay for Lapiplasty? ›

Is Lapiplasty covered by Insurance? Lapiplasty surgery is for a true orthopaedic condition and is most frequently covered by most commercial and government insurances. Each insurance plan is different, and cost may be subject to deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out of pocket.

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Are Crocs a good shoe after bunion surgery? ›

Crocs are considered to be a therapeutic shoe because they offer long-term relief of foot pain after surgery. Patients are encouraged to wear crocs after surgery especially when the feet have swollen.

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When can you walk barefoot after Lapiplasty? ›

At 2 weeks begin to put some weight on your foot. Next 4-6 weeks walk in a boot and return to light activities. At 6-8 weeks transition back into comfortable shoes. At 4-6 months resume most activities and return to normal footwear.

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Is there an age limit for bunion surgery? ›

Sometimes, bunions can be painful, especially if they're large enough to rub against the shoe. There's no cut-and-dry rule regarding an age limit for bunion surgery.

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Can bunions come back after Lapiplasty? ›

Suykerbuyk performs the Lapiplasty 3D Bunionectomy, which addresses the bunion at the unstable joint, preventing the bunion from returning in the future. With this technique, the recurrence rate for a bunion goes down to less than 4%.

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How long after Lapiplasty can I wear shoes? ›