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Bunions and the Lapiplasty® Procedure
What is a bunion?
A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is more than just a painful bump on the side of the big toe. The bump is actually the visible result of an unstable joint at the base of the foot called the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. When this joint becomes unstable, the first metatarsal bone gradually shifts out of position toward the midline of the body, causing the bunion deformity to develop. As the metatarsal moves, the big toe is pushed toward the smaller toes, leading to pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and progressive worsening of the deformity. Modern bunion correction procedures such as Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction address the root cause of the bunion by stabilizing the unstable joint and restoring the bones to their proper alignment.
Modern-day surgery for bunions
Many patients believe a bunion is simply a bump that can be shaved off. In reality, a bunion is a complex deformity caused by instability in the foot. Traditional bunion surgery often focused on removing the bump and, in more advanced procedures, cutting and shifting the first metatarsal bone to straighten the big toe. This surgical bone cut, known as an osteotomy, remains one of the most commonly performed bunion correction procedures today.
While traditional bunion surgery can improve the appearance of the foot and relieve symptoms, it often does not address the underlying instability of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint—the root cause of many bunions. In addition, most bunions involve a rotational deformity of the metatarsal bone that may not be fully corrected with a standard osteotomy. As a result, the foot may not be restored to its normal anatomical alignment and function.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction was designed to address all three dimensions of the bunion deformity. By correcting the misalignment, reducing the rotational component, and stabilizing the unstable TMT joint, Lapiplasty treats the source of the problem rather than simply the visible bump. Clinical studies have reported that traditional bunion procedures may have up to a 12-times higher risk of bunion recurrence compared with Lapiplasty, making long-term correction an important consideration when choosing a bunion surgeon and treatment option.
Click video below to watch an actual surgical procedure
*Kim Y, et. al Foot Ankle Int. 2015; 36:944-52. **Okuda R, Kinoshita M, Yasuda T, et al. JBJS. 2007. 89:2163-72. ^Jeuken RM, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2016. 37:687-95.
Recovery with Lapiplasty ® surgery
Lapiplasty® surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure by a specially trained Lapiplasty surgeon and usually takes about one hour. Patients return home the same day in a walking boot.
During the first three days, patients keep weight off the surgical foot and use a knee scooter or roll-about for mobility. Flat-footed weight-bearing in the walking boot is allowed immediately for transfers and short distances.
Most patients do not require suture removal at their two-week follow-up visit. By four weeks, many can walk comfortably in the boot without crutches or a walker. Around six weeks after surgery, patients typically transition into supportive athletic shoes.
Low-impact exercise can usually begin once patients are out of the boot, while running and higher-impact sports are often resumed approximately three months after surgery, depending on healing and surgeon recommendations.
Am I a surgical candidate for Lapiplasty ®?
Who Is a Candidate for Lapiplasty® Bunion Surgery? Patients who experience bunion pain, difficulty wearing shoes comfortably, or limitations in daily activities due to a bunion may be candidates for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction. The procedure is designed to address the root cause of the bunion deformity and is approved for both adults and children suffering from painful bunions.
If your bunion is affecting your quality of life, an evaluation by an experienced bunion surgeon can help determine whether Lapiplasty is the right treatment option for you.
Dr. Paul Steinke is one of the highest volume surgeons in the country over the last 6 years, in fact, he performed more procedures than any other surgeon in the country in 2023 His extensive experience with advanced bunion correction techniques helps patients return to comfortable footwear, improved function, and an active lifestyle.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether Lapiplasty® is the right solution for your bunion pain.
