The Minimally-Invasive Alternatives to Bunion Surgery (2024)

FAQs

The Minimally-Invasive Alternatives to Bunion Surgery? ›

Minimally invasive bunionectomy involves less pain, a faster recovery, and better cosmetic results due to the small incisions. Open surgery, however, is a more powerful correction for very severe bunion deformities. It also reduces the risk of recurrence in severe bunions.

Minimally invasive bunionectomy involves less pain, a faster recovery, and better cosmetic results due to the small incisions. Open surgery, however, is a more powerful correction for very severe bunion deformities. It also reduces the risk of recurrence in severe bunions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The downsides of the Lapiplasty procedure are: The cost of the hardware — which can be fairly expensive and may cost the patient more than other hardware. The possible increased operating time due to the use of the cutting guides and jigs.

Traditional surgeries simply cut off the excess bone and, since the weakened foundation is left untreated, your bunion can easily return again. With Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction treatment, your podiatrist doesn't cut off the excess bone.

Why is bunion surgery not 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.

Ignoring a bunion can lead to serious complications. Without bunion treatment, bunions can continue to grow. They will push your big toe inward towards the neighboring toe, which can be painful. Likewise, they can grow so large that is painful to wear shoes.

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.

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.

Steroidal injections. For bunions that are really inflamed, sometimes a small steroid injection into the bunion will offer some relief of symptoms. Strengthening exercises. If you have a bunion, it's important to keep your foot muscles strong and maintain good balance.

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.

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.

Q: Will bunion surgery fix my bunions permanently? A: Bunion surgery is an effective solution for most people as it has an approximate success rate of 85-90%.

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.