Bunions are painful deformities that are common and can cause pain and discomfort daily.  Surgery for bunions has been around for over 100 years but recent advancements have made bunion surgery easier than ever.  Today we will discuss the Lapiplasty bunion procedure, its advantages and how it has changed the way we correct bunions. 

What is a bunion?

A bunion is an inherited foot issue that involves the deviation of a bone in your foot.  Specifically the 1^st metatarsal begins to drift in the wrong direction making it difficult to fit shoes and can be quite painful.  Genetics play a big role in the development of a bunion and things like shoe gear can contribute to the bunion. 

Lapiplasty procedure

Convention bunion surgery often involves cutting the bone and realigning a joint.  This type of procedure has been utilized for years and is still the most popular bunion surgery in the world.  It has its applications and is appropriate for certain individuals.  The Lapidus or Lapiplasty focuses on larger bunions and people that have a more unstable foot.  It aims to correct the bunion in a more comprehensive approach and provides the best long term results.

It involves correcting the bunion in 3 planes, realigning the metatarsal, correcting the bunion at the root cause.  The joint where the bunion originates is cut and realigned and fixated to heal in the proper position.  Recovery can vary by patient and bone quality same with healing times.  I do recommend physical therapy and follow up is essential.

In conclusion Lapiplasty has revolutionized bunion correction and provides excellent long term results and is by far the best procedure for many patients.    

If you would like a consultation for your bunion I can help.  Call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online.

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Minimally invasive bunion surgery does provide a few advantages compared to traditional bunion surgery. It often can leave smaller scars, have a faster recovery speed and have less pain. The term minimally invasive is rather vague and can be misleading. The most important part of bunion surgery is proper procedure selection. Procedure selection is based on the clinical evaluation and x-rays.

Minimally invasive techniques do have limitations and are not useful in large bunion deformities. The best way to determine whether or not you are a candidate is to schedule an appointment with us. We have an onsite surgical suite and can provide you with all the details to make a decision. We are even able to offer conservative measures for bunion pain. Don’t delay we are here to help at Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Give us a call at 425-391-8666 today.