Bunion surgery is by far the most common procedure I do on a weekly basis. It is a very satisfying procedure for patients and can lead to great outcomes. I have now been operating for the last 15 years and have completed 1000’s of bunion surgeries and the Lapiplasty has shown great promise.

With bunion surgeries I like to see the technique to be reliable and reproducible. Additionally, I like a procedure that is versatile and can correct bunions of all sizes. The Lapiplasty seems to meet all these criteria and is seeing a large increase in execution.

I have personally been utilizing this procedure since I was a resident. It has been the work horse of my toolbox and continues to be. The Lapidus procedure provides predictable outcomes and has a very low reoccurrence rate. It is especially useful for pediatric patients and large bunions.

The Lapiplasty is a patented system that makes the Lapidus bunion procedure easier for the surgeon to execute. It is a specific set of instruments that helps the surgeon. I think this system will continue to evolve and help us surgeons to have great outcomes. If you have a bunion and would like a consultation please contact my office today and I will be happy to review all your options as is pertains to bunions and bunion surgery.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Dr. Timothy Young, a Board Certified Foot Surgeon Discusses Sesamoid Problems – Part 2

Problems with the sesamoid bones in the foot can be an overuse injury.  As mentioned previously, some sports have higher association of sesamoid problems,  such as dance.  The injury and damage to the bones can range from inflammation of the soft tissue around the sesamoid bone and capsule.  We call this sesamoiditis.  Further damage could lead to fracture of the bones and this is often readily seen on an x-ray.  The problem is that some individuals have sesamoids that, are as 2 separate bones or portions from birth (congenitally)  

Therefore, it can be difficult to determine if it is a fracture or if it is a structural congenital condition.  This is called a bipartite sesamoid when it is a congenital structural condition with 2 separate bones.  Additional problems may include damage to the blood supply of the bone or avascular necrosis.  This can be difficult to diagnose and often requires an MRI.  A typical office based examination would include x-ray evaluation of the sesamoid bones.  As mentioned this can clearly diagnose many fractures or arthritic conditions of the sesamoid bones.  More subtle changes can be seen with ultrasound imaging.  And as mentioned, an MRI is very useful for sesamoiditis especially if there is concern over potential avascular necrosis.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Dr. Timothy Young - a Board Certified Foot Surgeon Discusses Sesamoid Problems –  Part 1

Sesamoid problems are fairly common in the feet.  There are 2 sesamoid bones at the base of the great toe joint.  These are small bones about the size of a pea.  A larger sesamoid bone is the patellar kneecap.  By definition, a sesamoid bone has a muscle and then the sesamoid bone which crosses the joint, and then there is a tendon from the sesamoid bone crossing over the joint to attach to  the other side of the joint.  In the knee, there is the quadricep muscle which attaches to the patella or kneecap, and then the knee Is attached to the tibia by the patellar tendon.  

This muscle sesamoid bone and tendon complex crosses the joint and gives leverage and protection to the mechanical function of the joint.  In the foot, the sesamoid bone can be very vulnerable.  As soon as the heel comes up off the ground during gait and other full weightbearing activities, the load and weight is transferred to the forefoot and up to have to wait or more will be transmitted through the sesamoid bones into the head of the first metatarsal.  Therefore, any running activity our other sports such as dance puts a heavy load on the sesamoid bones.  These are common activities with the sesamoid bones can be injured or damaged.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online. 

Bunion surgery has been around for almost 200 years.  There have been many types of bunion surgeries performed during this time.  The vast majority involved cutting the bone and realigning the joint.  The recent years have allowed for advancement in correction techniques and better long-term outcomes.  Presently most surgeons either utilize a head technique, cutting the bone and realigning, or a base technique, which usually involves fusion or a Lapidus type procedure.

Lapiplasty has improved outcomes by creating a system that is reproducible and easier for surgeons to execute.  It involves a system of tools that the surgeon gets the proper correction for all patients.   The Lapiplasty is a new way of doing a bunion surgery that has been around for over 100 years.    The Lapidus bunionectomy is one of the most tried and true bunion correction surgeries and has great outcomes.  It is the primary work horse of bunion surgery and is probably the most common procedure I utilize.  If you have a painful bunion and would like to have it evaluated, make an appointment today and I will help you come up with a long term plan. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Bunion surgery is probably the most common procedure I execute.  Most bunions can be fixed in about 2 hours and provide great long-term results.  The most important factor is to have a thorough workup and x-rays to evaluate the foot.  Once the foot and x-rays have been done then a plan for surgical or conservative care can be formulated. 

If surgical intervention is called for, our office has an onsite surgery center which can save the average patient thousands of dollars as compared to free standing ASC’s or the Hospital.  Our certified surgery center provides the best possible patient experience and has been functioning for over 15 years.  If you have a bunion and have been contemplating what to do, I can help.  I really enjoy helping people with bunions.  Please make an appointment and we can discuss your options. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Bunion surgery is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the United States.  The bunion can be corrected with many different types of procedure from osteotomies (the cutting of bone) to arthrodesis (the fusion of bones).  Lapiplasty procedure is relatively new but utilizes a technique that has been around for years.  The procedure is based on a Lapidus bunion surgery. 

This procedure was named after a Dr Lapidus.  It involves fusion of a tarsometatarsal joint to stabilize the foot and fix the bunion.  The Lapiplasty allows for surgeons to have reproducible results utilizing special equipment and cutting jigs.  I find Lapiplasty to be a reliable tool for bunion correction.  Especially useful in large bunion cases and with people that have had long standing bunions.  If you have a large bunion and would like to speak with a Lapiplasty Surgeon please contact my office and we can see if you are a candidate. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brandon Nelson