Rush University Medical Center Orthopedic Expert Co-Developed Technique
(CHICAGO) – A less invasive, surgical treatment for bunions known as the Mini TightRope® procedure is being used at Rush University Medical Center to correct bunions, or hallux valgus, a common, often painful deformity in which the big toe is angled in toward the smaller toes.
The new procedure, developed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Holmes, head of the foot and ankle program at Rush and associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University, uses a special suture material called fiberwire to bind together the first and second metatarsals, the bones in the foot in the big toe and second toe. This pulls the first metatarsal into proper alignment.
Traditionally, people suffering from pain bunions require an osteotomy bunionectomy in the first metatarsal to correct the deformity. This requires a surgeon to break the bone or cut into the bone and reposition the first metatarsal, which can lead to a long recovery period of six-to-eight weeks, during which patients cannot bear any weight on the foot and must use crutches.
"Why should we break the bone in the foot if we do not need to do so to correct the angular deformity," said Holmes. "This is the genesis of the new technique."
"This new procedure decreases the degree of postoperative pain and greatly reduces the potential of postoperative complications," said Holmes. "It also decreases the recovery time, causes less scarring, and patients are able to go home the same day."
During the Mini TightRope® procedure, tiny holes about one millimeter in diameter are drilled through the first and second metatarsal bones in the foot. Then, two sets of fiberwire suture, made of a strong, hair-thin mesh and wire-like material, are threaded through the openings, anchored on either side of the metatarsals, and after the sutures are in place, they are tightened to correct the position and alignment of the big toe.
Afterwards, patients wear a postoperative shoe or short walking boot. Stitches are generally removed in two-to-three weeks. Most patients are pain-free within two-to-three weeks.
Bunions are a common type of deformity that develops when weakened muscles and ligaments holding the first metatarsal bone in place shift away from the other toes. At the same time, the big toe slips to the inside and causes the angular deformity.
The joint at the base of the big toe pushes out and causes the formation of a bump along the inner edge of the foot. This bump can become red and swollen and rub against the side of a shoe, which can cause considerable pain when standing, walking or running. In some cases, the bump can be so large and painful that a patient is unable to wear shoes.
An estimated 200,000 bunion correction surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. About 10 to 30 percent of patients, who have bunion surgery, experience significant complications. One-third of women in the U.S. have bunions. The most common cause of bunions is wearing tight, poorly fitting or high-heeled shoes.
FAQs
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.
What is the newest bunion surgery technique? ›
Lapiplasty® technology can be used to address mild, moderate, and severe bunions. The Lapiplasty® Procedure corrects the entire bone and secures the unstable foundation to get you back on your feet in a walking boot within 3-10 days.
Is Lapiplasty surgery worth it? ›
Yes, Lapiplasty is considered better than regular bunion surgery as it offers a less invasive procedure, fewer complications, quicker recovery, and addresses bunions at their root cause. Who is not a candidate for Lapiplasty?
Can a bunion toe be straightened without surgery? ›
Unfortunately, there is no way to correct bunions without surgery. However, mild bunions that do not cause pain or discomfort may not affect the quality of life or other elements of good health. In short, if you have a bunion and it's painful, you should see a podiatrist to discuss your options, including surgery.
What is the surgery for straightening bunions? ›
The corrective surgery for bunion is known as a metatarsal osteotomy or bunionectomy. There are multiple techniques, but all involve cutting the bones and repositioning them with metal screws to straighten the big toe and reduce the bump on the side of the foot.
What is the most advanced surgery for bunions? ›
The Lapiplasty procedure corrects the root cause of bunions — a misaligned toe bone — while dramatically shortening the time patients have to wait to bear weight on the affected foot. The technique is a new approach to a traditional Lapidus bunionectomy.
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.
How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›
By following these steps and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can take charge of your foot health and enjoy greater comfort.
- Step 1: Assess Your Footwear. ...
- Step 2: Use Bunion Pads and Splints. ...
- Step 3: Incorporate Toe Exercises and Stretches. ...
- Step 4: Apply Ice and Heat Therapy. ...
- Step 5: Consider Custom Orthotics.
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. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.
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.
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.
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.
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 is the difference between Lapiplasty and bunion surgery? ›
Lapiplasty uses 3D technology to permanently fix the root issues that caused you to develop bunions. Rather than simply shaving off your bunion, as would happen in traditional surgery, lapiplasty derotates and shifts your out-of-place joints, stabilizing them and ensuring your bunion won't return.
How long has Lapiplasty been around? ›
Dr. Lapidus performed the first truly original Lapidus operation on April 8, 1931. As he was the one to popularize the procedure, it bears his name without he himself claiming originality as the procedure was initially advocated twenty years earlier in 1911 by Dr.
Is Lapiplasty covered by Medicare? ›
Lapiplasty® is Covered By Most Private Insurance & Medicare
Insurance and Medicare typically cover bunionectomy and joint fusion procedures that utilize the Lapiplasty® System when the procedures are medically necessary.
