Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (2024)

Minimally invasive bunion surgery is an alternative to traditional surgery that reduces post-surgical scarring, swelling, and pain and offers a faster recovery. Serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas.

To find out more about minimally invasive bunion surgery, call or book an appointment online today with Dr. Steven Neufeld, Dr. Daniel Cuttica, or Dr. Thomas Sanders.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (1) Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (2)

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Dr. Steven Neufeld on minimally invasive bunion surgery.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Q & A

  • What is a Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery? Back to top

    Minimally invasive bunion surgery is an alternative to traditional surgery that can reduce post-surgical scarring, swelling, pain and offers patients the easiest recovery.

    Advantages of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery:

      • No general anesthesia (our anesthesia is similar to dentistry sedation – relaxed but not put to sleep
      • Minimal scar tissue, less post-surgical pain, scarring and swelling and faster healing
      • No damage to the tissues crossing the big toe joint, eliminating the complication of joint stiffness
      • After surgery the foot is wrapped in a soft dressing; no cast & no crutches needed
      • After surgery patients can walk right away, go back to work soon, drive a car, etc...Most patients transition to regular shoes by 6 weeks.
      • We are able to obtain the same results we had before with traditional surgery but with far less pain

    Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (6)

    Actual patient results shown above!

  • What is a bunion? Back to top

    A bunion occurs when the big toe turns inwards toward the 2nd toe and forms a bump on the foot.

  • What is a bunionectomy? Back to top

    A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a bunion and can help relieve pain.

    Types of bunionectomy procedures:

      • The decision to perform one type of surgery or another is based on the severity of the bunion deformity and the presence of arthritis in the big toe joint.
      • Bunion is rarely treated by simply “shaving” down the bump on the side of the big toe: if done alone, the deformity will recur and the bunion pain will return
      • The bunion is typically corrected by cutting the 1st metatarsal (which is called an osteotomy) and then re-aligning the bone.
      • Typically the re-aligned bone is held in place with screws and/or a plate and screws
      • The osteotomy (bone cut) can be made at the end of the 1st metatarsal (distal osteotomy) or at the base of the 1st metatarsal (proximal osteotomy)
      • One of the most common distal osteotomies is called a Chevron or Austin osteotomy. A screw is used to hold the re-aligned 1st metatarsal and following the surgery, weight bearing is permitted in a special surgical shoe until the bone is healed
      • One of the most common proximal osteotomies, used for more severe deformities is a “ludloff ” or a “lapidus”. These osteotomies are held in place using a special plate and screws
    • If the big toe has arthritis as well as a bunion, an osteotomy is not usually performed. The bunion and arthritis is corrected with a fusion of the joint or simply removing a portion of the joint and replacing it with an implant.

    Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (7)

    Minimally Invasive Incisions vs. Traditional Incisions

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (2024)

FAQs

Is minimally invasive bunion surgery successful? ›

The recurrence rate (a bunion coming back after surgery) is about 20% over a patient's lifetime. A mild bunion recurrence is well-tolerated by most patients. Significant bunion recurrences that cause problems and require further surgery are much less common.

What is the failure rate of bunion surgery? ›

Studies have shown that bunion surgery has a failure rate of up to 40%. This means that in 40% of cases, the surgery does not provide the desired outcome.

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

Who is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery? You are a good candidate if you exhibit the following signs and symptoms: Significant foot pain that limits your activities of daily living (ADL) Chronic inflammation and swelling of the big toe that does not improve with medication or rest.

Is Lapiplasty better than minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

The main advantage of lapiplasty are the 3D surgical techniques that reduce your risk of recurrence, while the main advantage of PROstep MIS are the minimally invasive techniques that bring post-surgery ease. At your consultation, our podiatrists recommend the best bunion removal surgery for you.

How long does it take to recover from minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

4–6 Weeks After Surgery: If no pain is present and X-rays show the bone is healing, patients can expect to resume light exercise including biking or swimming. 8–10 Weeks After Surgery: Patients can return to normal activity including wearing high heels and high impact exercise.

Why isn t bunion surgery recommended? ›

Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment.

What age is best for bunion surgery? ›

How old should you be to get bunion surgery?
  • Bunionectomies before the age of 18 can be trickier because the bone plates may still be shifting and accommodating. ...
  • Before the age of 35, your risk of recurrence is much higher, and you may need a second surgery later on.
  • After the age of 60, expect recovery to take longer.
Apr 14, 2023

Are most people happy with bunion surgery? ›

Most patients who have had bunion surgery find that it helps end their pain and achieve long-term comfort and relief.

Is it worth operating on bunions? ›

This will be up to each patient. But in short, if your bunion pain was keeping you from walking, doing the activities you liked, or exercising regularly, then the surgery is worth it.

Are screws used in minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

The pin will be removed in clinic, with minimal to no pain. Screw fixation: 2-3 screws will be placed in the bones to maintain correction of the bunion deformity. These screws can be removed at a later date if desired.

What is the easiest bunion surgery to get? ›

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.

What is the new procedure for bunions? ›

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.

Who is not a candidate for Lapiplasty? ›

If you have bone loss or degeneration, are morbidly obese, or have a known sensitivity to implanted devices, you may not be a candidate for Lapiplasty surgery. Pediatric patients under 12 years old and adolescent patients with open growth plates may also not be eligible.

What are the downsides of Lapiplasty? ›

There are limitations of the implants used in the Procedures, and failure to comply with prescribed physical activity instructions has been implicated in premature failure of similar devices. For further information on the recovery process, follow this link to Recovery Information.

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.

What is the most successful bunion surgery? ›

Corrects all three deformities: Since lapiplasty corrects all three shifts in the metatarsal bone that lead to bunions, it is much more effective at treating them than osteotomy or any nonsurgical bunion treatment. This way, lapiplasty restores your foot and the big toe to their normal alignment.

What is the newest surgery for bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause.

What are the side effects of minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

Some possible complications may include:
  • Stiffness.
  • Numbness.
  • Swelling.
  • Delayed healing.
  • Infection.

Does insurance cover minimally invasive bunion surgery? ›

Many health insurance plans will cover all or part of the costs of bunion correction surgery. Not all bunions require surgery. Most healthcare professionals will only recommend surgery if the bunions cause severe or chronic pain or affect your ability to walk.

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