Have you heard of the “new bunion procedure” called Lapiplasty? Is it really as great as the advertisements say? Let’s discuss it!
A bunion, otherwise known medically as hallux abductovalgus, is an angular deformity of the great toe and the bone behind it (the first metatarsal) creating a prominence at the great toe joint. Studies show that approximately one-third of the adult population suffers from this often painful condition. A common misconception is that a bunion is a simple overgrowth of bone that can “just be shaved off”. The root cause of a bunion is a muscle and tendon imbalance. Our foot is meant to function in a “neutral position” causing less stress, strain and inflammation on the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments of the foot. When the arch is supported and the heel is in a closed backed shoe, this “neutral position” can be obtained and sustained. Our natural body weight wants to flatten out the arch when standing causing an “un-neutral position” which causes unnecessary stress, strain and inflammation of the muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments of the foot causing muscle and tendon imbalances and progressive deformities like bunions. Bunion deformities can be hereditary and those typically occur in the earlier years of life. One more important point is that arthritis in the great toe joint complicates a bunion and changes the treatment plan; this can only be identified and diagnosed on x-rays by your podiatrist.
Not every patient with bunions needs surgery. Depending on anatomy or the severity of deformity, activity level, age and health, nonsurgical treatments may be enough to manage mild to moderate pain. Again, your podiatrist can help aid you in these treatments and decisions.
The traditional correction of a bunion, otherwise known as a bunionectomy, has a non-weight bearing period anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Also, recurrence rates are very high and range from approximately 20-80 percent.
Lapiplasty is a procedure that corrects the bunion farther back in the foot using advanced instrumentation and corrects the deformity in all 3-dimensions. This restores the metatarsal to the proper alignment and reduces the bunion deformity while naturally removing the bump and straightening the toe. The unstable joint is then fused with small plates and screws which permanently secures the correction. The Lapiplasty procedure dramatically reduces the risk of bunion recurrence with almost 100 percent of patients maintaining correction after one year. The procedure technology and advanced fixation also allow most patients to weightbear, protected in a boot, within days of the surgery, much less than the average six weeks after a traditional osteotomy bunionectomy.
Dr. Roggow and Dr. Bonjorno are not only trained and certified with Lapiplasty, our doctors are board certified and provide excellent conservative and surgical treatment of all conditions of the foot and ankle. Besides surgery, they specialize in wound care below the knee and diabetic lower extremity care. Please make an appointment with the office (premierfootandanklefl.com) to have your feet evaluated!