Bunion

  • Hereditary condition
  • Deviation of the first metatarsal and big toe over time due to the forces of walking
  • Extremely common
  • 36% incidence
  • Shoes cause irritation and pain, but do not cause the bunion

A bunion is not just a bump it is a structural deformity

Most bunion procedures have a BAD reputation because cutting the metatarsal bone does not fix the problem

Lapiplasty restores normal anatomic alignment;
improving function and decreasing risk of recurrence of the bunion

What if there is arthritis in the big toe joint?

Triplane big toe joint fusion is an excellent alternative when there is arthritis in the big toe

  • This procedure treats the bunion and the arthritis simultaneously & prevents big toe joint pain in the future
  • The research shows alignment and function are excellent with this procedure
Studies confirm a wide range of activity is expected after triplane big toe fusion for bunions with arthritis

  • Walking without restrictions
  • Running
  • Most forms of exercise
  • No limitations for work
  • Most normal shoes with less than 1.5” heel
Big toe joint fusion looks & functions excellent
We use the same 3D principles, instrumentation and plating

Double Arthrodesis (“The Double”)

  • Sometimes there is a very severe bunion in addition to big toe joint arthritis
  • Both problems need to be addressed to get everything straight and relieve pain
  • The “double” is very effective and has a recovery similar to the other Lapiplasty® procedures
The “Double” is great for revision of failed traditional bunion procedures

What are our results with Lapiplasty & Fusion?

2018 Study of fusion in 195 of patients

  • 97.4 % completely healed

Very low recurrence rate for Lapiplasty®

  • 3% in published study @ 4 centers 2017
  • 1% in 2019 study of Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa patients
  • Very high function and satisfaction in 173 patients in a multicenter study published in 2022

98% normal function and satisfaction in 60 patients in a study published in 2022

What To Expect

  • An outpatient procedure lasting about an hour
  • Usually done with general anesthesia
  • We do just one foot at a time
    • The second side can be corrected after 8 weeks if needed
  • Pain is usually minimal to moderate and is controlled with a specific regimen of medications and nerve block
  • 6-7 weeks in a walking boot with light activity
    • Walking limited to 5-10 minutes each hour at first and progressing over that time to up to 15 minutes each hour
  • Return to heavier activity and sports after 3-4 months
  • As with all medical procedures results and recovery timing can vary from person to person

Possible issues following bone surgery

  • Swelling will be present for several weeks and could last several months
  • Scars can take up to 1-1.5 years to fade
  • There can be some numbness along the scars
  • Infection (<2% chance)
  • Need to remove plates and screws (5-10% chance)
  • Failure of bones to heal (<2% chance)
  • Recurrence of the original deformity (1-3% chance)
  • Need for further surgery (rare)