What is Lapiplasty and is it Right for Me?

Bunions can significantly impact daily life. When conservative treatments fail, surgical options become a consideration. Among these, Lapiplasty has gained attention. But is it the right choice for you? Understanding what Lapiplasty entails, how it differs from minimally invasive bunion surgery, and the advantages of the latter can guide your decision.

Understanding Lapiplasty

Lapiplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct bunions by addressing the root cause: the misalignment of the metatarsal bone. Traditional bunion surgeries often involve shaving off the protrusion without correcting the underlying structural issue, leading to potential recurrence. Lapiplasty, however, utilizes a 3D approach to realign the metatarsal bone to its proper position and fuses the metatarsocuneiform joint to maintain this correction. This fusion is achieved using titanium plates and screws, resulting in a permanent alteration of the foot’s anatomy.

Lapiplasty vs. Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

While both Lapiplasty and minimally invasive bunion surgery aim to correct bunions, their methodologies and implications differ significantly:

• Surgical Technique:
  • Lapiplasty: Involves a 2-6 inch incision to access the metatarsocuneiform joint for fusion, using permanent hardware to stabilize the correction.
  • Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery: Utilizes tiny incisions, approximately 1/8 inch, to realign the bones without joint fusion or permanent hardware. This approach preserves joint mobility and results in minimal scarring.
• Anesthesia and Recovery:
  • Lapiplasty: Typically performed under general anesthesia. Patients often experience a recovery period of up to six months, many times with a minimum of two weeks non-weight-bearing and six weeks in a surgical boot.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Conducted under local anesthesia with light sedation. Patients usually walk immediately after surgery, drive themselves home, and resume daily activities within days. Full recovery is often achieved within weeks.
• Joint Preservation:
  • Lapiplasty: Involves fusion of the metatarsocuneiform joint, which can limit natural foot movement and potentially lead to arthritis in adjacent joints over time.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Preserves all joints, maintaining natural foot biomechanics and flexibility.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Over Lapiplasty

Minimally invasive bunion surgery offers several benefits that make it a preferable option for many patients:

1. Reduced Recovery Time: Patients can walk immediately after the procedure, often returning to regular activities within days, unlike the extended recovery associated with Lapiplasty.
2. Minimal Scarring: The use of tiny incisions leads to negligible scarring, enhancing the foot’s cosmetic appearance.
3. Joint Preservation: By avoiding joint fusion, minimally invasive surgery maintains the foot’s natural movement, reducing the risk of arthritis in neighboring joints.
4. Lower Risk of Complications: The absence of permanent hardware eliminates risks associated with implants, such as irritation or the need for future removal surgeries.
5. Local Anesthesia: Performing the surgery under local anesthesia minimizes the risks linked to general anesthesia, making the procedure safer for a broader range of patients.

Real-Life Comparison

Consider this patient who underwent Lapiplasty on one foot and later chose minimally invasive surgery for the other. The Lapiplasty foot had a long scar and required a lengthy recovery, while the minimally invasive procedure resulted in minimal scarring and a swift return to daily activities. This firsthand experience highlights the tangible differences between the two approaches. (include photo of patient’s feet)

Is Lapiplasty Right for You?

While Lapiplasty addresses bunion deformities by correcting bone alignment and stabilizing it through joint fusion, it comes with extended recovery times and potential limitations in foot mobility. In contrast, minimally invasive bunion surgery offers a joint-preserving alternative with quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and maintenance of natural foot movement. When considering surgical options for bunion correction, it’s essential to weigh these factors and consult with a specialist to determine the best approach tailored to your individual needs.

At Northwest Surgery Center, we specialize in minimally invasive bunion surgeries, ensuring patients receive effective treatment with minimal disruption to their lives. If you’re exploring options for bunion correction, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward pain-free living.