So, how can you get rid of bunions once and for all? Plymouth Podiatry explains how an advanced treatment called Lapiplasty® surgery can help and how it differs from traditional bunion treatment.
What are Bunions?
Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a common condition among Americans. They’re bony growths that form on the base of your big toe due to extra pressure on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. You can feel that joint where the base of your big toe connects to the rest of your foot. Though this is the most common type of bunion, it can also form on other toes.
Other types of bunions:
- Congenital bunions (congenital hallux valgus) occur when a baby is born with a bunion.
- Juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus affects people younger than 18.
- Tailor’s bunions (bunionettes) form at the base of the pinky toe as a result of wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or activities that crunch your pinky toe inward.
Traditional Bunion Surgery
Traditional bunion surgery is called a bunionectomy, which literally means a removal of the bunion. The surgery typically includes local or partial anesthesia for your comfort. There are four common types of regular bunion surgery:
- Arthrodesis: If you have arthritis in the joint or a severe bunion, a podiatric surgeon might fuse the joint. The parts of the bone with arthritis are removed and the remaining bones are then connected with small screws. Eventually, the two bones fuse together.
- Osteotomy: A few small incisions are made into the foot and toe bones. The joint between them is then realigned with screws or pins.
- Lapidus: This is common in people with hypermobility in their feet or in younger people with bunions. It’s where the podiatric surgeon removes the bunion and then fuses certain foot and toe bones together.
- Exostectomy: For very minor bunions, the podiatric surgeon shaves them off and then realigns your foot.
What is Lapiplasty®?
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ corrects the entire bone in 3D alignment and secures the unstable foundation. The unstable joint is realigned using a Lapiplasty® Precision Guide, so that only minimal surface bone needs to be removed. Lapiplasty® Titanium Plates are then connected to the joint for stability.
Lapiplasty® Surgery Vs. Traditional Bunion Treatment
Now that you have a general idea of what Lapiplasty® bunion treatment involves, let’s take a closer look at how it compares to traditional bunion treatments.
Outcomes
- Traditional bunion treatment: Conservative, non-surgical treatments only minimize the symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Even after traditional surgery, up to 30% of patients still experience pain and may even need another surgery.
- Lapiplasty®: 97% of patients are pain-free and maintain full bone and joint correction after 13 months.
Recovery Times
- Traditional bunion treatment: The patient must avoid weight-bearing activities for up to 8 weeks, including 3-6 weeks in a cast. It may take up to 6 months to return to full regular activities.
- Lapiplasty®: Can put weight on the foot while wearing a surgical boot within days of surgery. Return to daily activities with the boot within 6 weeks. By 8 weeks, return to normal shoes. At 4-6 months, return to normal activities with normal shoes.
Risks
Any surgery or medical procedure involves certain risks. Your personal risk will depend on factors such as your age, overall health, the severity of your bunion, and past medical history. It’s always important to speak openly and honestly with your surgeon before deciding on a course of treatment.
- The most common risks of traditional bunion treatment include:
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Delayed healing
- Infection
- Other complications include:
- Bunion return
- Nerve damage
- More pain
- Overcorrection of the big toe so that it extends away from the other toes
- Possible risks from Lapiplasty® include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Complications related to anesthesia
- Very rarely do patients need additional surgery
Which One is Right For You?
Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide which bunion treatments are right for you.
Generally, those who might benefit the most from Lapiplasty® include:
- Those with high levels of persistent pain, discomfort, or limited mobility due to bunions, for whom conservative treatments (including traditional surgeries) haven’t worked.
- Those with recurring bunions or noticeable deformity of the big toe bones.
Lapiplasty® is not recommended for those with:
- Severe arthritis in the big toe.
- Bone conditions such as low bone density, osteoporosis, or peripheral vascular disease.
- Neurological conditions that make it hard to balance or control the muscles, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.
Lapiplasty Bunion Treatment FAQs
Q: Does insurance cover the Lapiplasty® Procedure?
A: Yes! Most insurance plans and Medicare typically cover bunionectomy and joint fusion procedures that utilize the Lapiplasty® System when the procedures are medically necessary.
Q: Will I need to stay in a hospital?
A: No. Lapiplasty® is an outpatient procedure, and you can go home the same day.
Q: Can I have Lapiplasty® if I’ve already had other bunion surgeries?
A: Yes! It is possible to have a failed 2D bunion surgery corrected and still have an excellent clinical outcome through Lapiplasty®. Your doctor will do an evaluation of your foot in order to tell you if this could work for your particular and unique condition.
Call Plymouth Podiatry For More Information
Bunions are painful, but there’s help. No matter what treatments you’ve tried before, our qualified podiatric surgeons may be able to give you more long-lasting relief from bunions with Lapiplasty®.
Contact us online, or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to start your pain-free life today.