Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of boney growth or swollen tissue typically located at the base joint of the big toe. The condition is caused by the shifting of the bones in the big toe inward, toward the other toes of the foot. The area around the base of the big toe may become inflamed, red, and painful.
Genetic factors are important in the formation of bunions – people who get bunions are usually genetically predisposed to this bone displacement and may cause its onset by wearing ill-fitting shoes or by running or walking in a way that causes stress to the feet. Another common cause for bunions is wearing high heeled shoes. The weight of the body in these shoes pushes the toes into an unnatural position, possibly causing bone displacement.
A podiatrist who specializes in foot structure and biomechanics can quickly diagnose bunions. Bunions must be distinguished from gout or arthritic conditions, so blood tests may be necessary. The podiatrist may order a radiological exam to provide an image of the bone structure. If the x-ray demonstrates an enlargement of the joint near the base of the toe and a shifting toward the smaller toes, this is indicative of a bunion.
Wearing wider shoes can remove the pressure on the bunion and reduce pain. High heeled shoes should be eliminated for a period of time as this type of shoe generally pushes the big toe outward toward the smaller toes. This may be enough to eliminate the pain associated with bunions; however, if pain persists, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Severe pain may require an injection of steroids near the bunion.
Orthotics for shoes may be prescribed which, by altering the pressure on the foot, can be helpful in reducing pain. These do not correct the problem, but by eliminating the pain, they can provide relief.
For cases that do not respond to these methods of treatment, surgery can be done to reposition the toe. A surgeon may do this by either taking out a section of bone or by rearranging the ligaments and tendons in the toe to help keep it properly aligned. It may be necessary even after surgery to wear more comfortable shoes that do not put pressure on the toe as the big toe can easily move back to its orientation toward the smaller toes.
Lapiplasty
Bunions are complex deformities that can be very painful. Advanced Podiatry are pleased to offer a new, patented treatment for bunion correction—Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction.
What is Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction?
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction is an advanced surgical procedure that corrects a bunion by rotating the entire deviated bone back into its normal anatomical position. This is done using specially-designed instrumentation, naturally straightening your toe and removing the “bump” and associated pain. Innovative plating technology is used to permanently secure the unstable joint. Most patients are able to walk within days of surgery. No cast is required; allowing patients to get back to the shoe wear of their choice and activities quickly.
Lapiplasty® Patented Titanium
The Lapiplasty® Procedure utilizes two low-profile (petite), anatomically-shaped titanium plates to permanently secure the unstable foundation of your corrected bunion. This provides buttressing on multiple planes and allows you to walk within days of surgery. Think of this in terms of how a basketball player might hold a basketball. When a player tightly grips the ball with both hands, the ball is held more securely than if only one hand is used.
What Should I Expect In Terms Of Recovery?
The patented titanium plating technology used with the Lapiplasty® Procedure enables patients to bear weight on their foot early. The ability to do so can dramatically improve your recovery process, allowing you to walk up to 6-8 weeks earlier than with the more traditional Lapidus approach (which was previously the only option for addressing the unstable joint).
Being able to walk in a surgical boot, as opposed to being completely non-weight bearing (in a cast with scooter or crutches) for 6-8 weeks, means that you will be getting back to a better quality of life faster; may return to most occupations more quickly; and will be less inconvenienced by bunion surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions patients commonly ask and their respective answers:
How long does it take to recover from a Lapiplasty® Procedure?
Patients are typically walking within days of surgery. Patients can return to most occupations within days to a couple of weeks, wearing a surgical boot. Within six weeks, you can expect to be walking in comfortable shoes such as tennis shoes, however you should not plan on any high-impact activities for 3-4 months. Short shopping trips and leisurely strolls are examples of the types of activities that should be fine at this point. Around the 4-month mark post-op, you should be able to return to most activities and most shoe wear.
Can I wear fashionable shoes again?
The Lapiplasty® Procedure allows most patients to return to their desired shoes. Of course, some fashionable shoes can be painful (even with a normal foot!), so results can vary from person to person and shoe to shoe.
Can I play sports after the Lapiplasty® Procedure?
Yes, there are no permanent activity limitations after the Lapiplasty® Procedure. Most patients are able to return to most activities after the bones have completely healed at approximately 4 months.
Can the Lapiplasty® Procedure be performed on someone who has previously had traditional surgery?
Yes, the Lapiplasty® Procedure is an option that can be utilized by your doctor when a revision is required. Even if previously treated, patients can experience the same benefits from Lapiplasty® – with a permanently secured foundational joint this time around.
I’ve heard the term “reproducible” used when describing the Lapiplasty® Procedure. What does that mean?
“Reproducible” means that a procedure is easily repeatable with expected results. The Lapiplasty® Procedure utilizes precision, patented instrumentation designed to take the guesswork and “eyeballing” out of bunion surgery; helping ensure your surgeon can get reliable results over and over.
Can the Lapiplasty® Procedure be performed as an outpatient procedure & how long does it last?
Yes, Lapiplasty® surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures. Typically, the surgery will last just under an hour. If your doctor is performing any additional procedures at the same time, the surgery may take longer.
The Lapiplasty Procedure patient education brochure
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction Brochure
