The traditional bunion surgery, called the “chevron” or “Austin” procedure, involves removing the bony bump (exostosis) and realigning the bones through an osteotomy. However, this method often addresses only the cosmetic aspect of the bunion and does not correct the root cause of the deformity, which is a three-dimensional misalignment of the metatarsal bone.
The Lapiplasty procedure, on the other hand, aims to address the root cause of the bunion by correcting the misalignment in all three planes of the foot. It is a three-dimensional approach that involves the following steps:
Joint Preparation: The surgeon first exposes the bunion and prepares the joint surfaces for correction.
Bone Cut (Osteotomy): A precise cut is made in the metatarsal bone, allowing the surgeon to realign it to its correct position.
Bone Rotation: The misaligned metatarsal bone is rotated back into its proper alignment.
Joint Repair: Specialized instruments and titanium plates are used to hold the corrected bones in place while the bones heal.
Tissue Repair: The soft tissues around the joint, including ligaments and tendons, are repaired to support the newly aligned joint.
The Lapiplasty procedure has several advantages over traditional bunion surgeries:
Faster Recovery: Lapiplasty may allow for faster recovery times compared to traditional bunion surgery.
More Stable Correction: The three-dimensional correction addresses the underlying cause of the bunion, leading to a more stable and lasting result.
Early Weight-Bearing: Some patients may be able to bear weight on the foot sooner after surgery compared to other procedures.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with Lapiplasty surgery. These may include infection, delayed healing, nerve injury, or recurrence of the bunion. It is essential for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their surgeon and follow the post-operative instructions carefully to optimize the healing process.
Not all bunions require surgical intervention, and conservative treatments such as wearing properly fitting shoes, using orthotic devices, and taking over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient to manage mild bunion symptoms. However, for severe or painful bunions that significantly affect daily activities, surgery may be recommended, and the choice of procedure will depend on the patient’s individual circumstances.