Lapiplasty: Learn All About This New, Breakthrough Bunion Surgery | City Podiatry (2024)

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.

Lapiplasty: Learn All About This New, Breakthrough Bunion Surgery | City Podiatry (2024)

FAQs

Lapiplasty: Learn All About This New, Breakthrough Bunion Surgery | City Podiatry? ›

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.

What are the downsides of Lapiplasty surgery? ›

Despite the numerous benefits of Lapiplasty, considering its potential downsides is also essential. These include potential complications like arthritis and avascular necrosis, and nerve damage which may cause limited or uncomfortable sensations in the feet.

Which is better, bunionectomy or lapiplasty? ›

Lapiplasty offers a promising surgical treatment option. It involves a less invasive procedure, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery than traditional bunion surgery. It also addresses bunions at their root cause.

How much does bunion lapiplasty cost? ›

Bunion correction surgery typically costs about $6,000 or more per foot. Many health insurance plans will cover all or part of the costs of bunion correction surgery. Not all bunions require surgery.

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!

Is the bone cut in Lapiplasty? ›

Instead of cutting the bone in half and shifting the top part over, the patented Lapiplasty® Procedure uses specially-designed instrumentation to rotate the entire deviated bone back into its normal anatomical position, naturally straightening your toe; removing the “bump” and associated pain.

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.

How painful is Lapiplasty? ›

Following a Lapiplasty bunion surgery, which involves removing a bone lump and straightening the big toe joint, expect initial pain and swelling. Over six weeks, these symptoms will diminish, but minor discomfort may persist for up to a year.

Is Lapiplasty covered by insurance? ›

Is the Lapiplasty® Procedure covered by insurance? Good news! Insurance and Medicare typically cover bunionectomy and joint fusion procedures that utilize the Lapiplasty® System when the procedures are medically necessary.

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%.

How long are you off your feet with Lapiplasty? ›

A typical recovery timeline for the Lapiplasty® Procedure is as follows: 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.

How long are you off your feet after Lapiplasty? ›

Most patients return to walking shoes between 6-7 weeks after the surgery, low impact activity around 3 to 3 1/2 months, and back to all activity and exercise around 4 months. It is important to note, however, that everyone's recovery is different.

Are you put to sleep for Lapiplasty bunion surgery? ›

ROBERT SANTROCK, MD: Most typically the Lapiplasty® surgery is done as an outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. Our typical patient would undergo a nerve block, which is a type of anesthesia that numbs you from about the knee down.

Can you walk after Lapiplasty? ›

Often stationary biking, casual walking, and rowing will be allowed before 12 weeks at physician's discretion. As you slowly return to impact exercise this will be a slow process, and full activity will return at 4 months(16 weeks) after surgery. Full recovery will be 6 months to a year.

What happens if you never get bunion surgery? ›

If left untreated, a bunion can cause arthritis, especially if the joint in the big toe has sustained extensive, long-term damage.

What is the most severe bunion surgery? ›

Arthrodesis: Sometimes, arthritis inflammation can lead to bunions. In arthrodesis joint fusion, your surgeon removes any parts of the big toe joint that have arthritis. Your surgeon then places screws in the toe to hold the bones together while they heal. This surgery is only done with the most severe of bunions.

What is the success rate for Lapiplasty surgery? ›

What are the results of Lapiplasty? Success of Lapiplasty has shown potential to far exceed the results of traditional bunion surgery. Published research shows a 97.3% success rate with Lapiplasty.

What are the pros and cons of Lapiplasty bunion surgery? ›

Because part of the Lapiplasty definition is its minimally invasive detail, the recovery time is less severe than other surgery options for bunions. After a Lapiplasty, you may have to wear a cast on the foot, as well as be careful to not put any weight on the affected area.

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