Beyond the Bump: The Bunion Fix That’s Built to Last
For the millions of people living with a painful bunion, the thought of surgery brings up a mix of hope and anxiety. You hope for relief from the constant pain and the struggle to find shoes that fit…but you’re anxious about a long, difficult recovery, not to mention the frustrating possibility that the bunion might just come back.
But surgical techniques have evolved. The Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ is a modern procedure designed to address the root cause of the bunion, offering a more reliable and lasting solution. In this blog, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center will explain how the procedure works (and why it might be right for you!)
Why Bunions Come Back
To understand why Lapiplasty is different, you first have to understand why traditional bunionectomies can fail.
- A bunion isn’t just a bump; it’s the result of an unstable joint at the base of your big toe, which allows the entire metatarsal bone to drift out of alignment.
- Traditional 2D surgery often just cuts and shifts the head of the bone to cosmetically straighten the toe.
It’s like fixing a leaning tower by trimming the top instead of straightening the foundation. The unstable joint at the base is left unaddressed, which is why bunions have a high rate of recurrence!
Correcting the Root Cause
Lapiplasty is a 3D correction. Instead of just cutting the bone at the top, this procedure focuses on the source of the problem: the unstable joint in your midfoot.
- Using advanced instruments, the entire misaligned metatarsal bone is guided back into its proper 3D alignment.
- Then, the unstable joint is secured with small, patented titanium plates. This permanently stabilizes the foundation of your toe.
- By fixing the root cause, the risk of the bunion returning is significantly reduced.
Your Lapiplasty Questions, Answered
- Is the recovery really faster?
Yes. Because the procedure stabilizes the joint so effectively, many patients are able to walk on their foot in a surgical boot within days of the surgery. This is a major difference from traditional methods that can require weeks or even months of non-weight-bearing recovery.
- Can my bunion still come back?
While no surgical procedure can guarantee a 100% success rate, the Lapiplasty procedure has a much lower rate of recurrence than traditional 2D surgery. By correcting the unstable joint and securing the bone in three dimensions, it addresses the underlying reason the bunion formed in the first place.
- Is it more invasive?
Lapiplasty is designed to be a more precise and targeted procedure. The advanced instrumentation allows for the correction to be made through smaller incisions and with less disruption to the surrounding soft tissues compared to many traditional techniques.
Think You’re a Candidate? Get in Touch!
The quickest way to learn if Lapiplasty is right for you. Contact us! We’ll schedule a consultation and determine if this modern, minimally invasive option is appropriate.
Whether you’re experiencing pain or simply seeking preventative care, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center offers a wide range of services to address all your foot and ankle needs. While we focus on non-surgical treatments, our team also provides advanced surgical procedures when necessary, using the latest technologies to ensure superior outcomes. Call (281) 377-4040 or contact us online!
