Bunions are one of the most common foot issues, affecting about one-third of adults across the United States. They form when the bone at the base of the big toe bulges outward, creating a swollen, red bump that can be sensitive to touch.
You can manage some bunions with at-home treatments, such as ice and wearing shoes with a wider toebox. However, for larger bunions, surgical intervention is often necessary. Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction offers a less invasive alternative to traditional bunion surgery with a lower risk of recurrence and faster recovery.
At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, our team specializes in Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction. Below, we explain how this advanced procedure can correct your bunion, who is a good candidate, and what to expect during the procedure.
Bunions form when the metatarsophalangeal, or big toe joint, moves out of position due to external factors such as wearing tight shoes or having an abnormal gait. As the bone shifts, it creates a swollen bump at the base of the big toe, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking, and the big toe points inward, crowding your other toes.
Traditional bunion surgery addresses the issue by shaving the bone responsible for the bump, making it smaller, and realigning your big toe. However, this approach doesn’t correct the underlying structural problem.
Lapiplasty works differently by realigning the entire bone, securing the unstable foundation and holding it in position with titanium plates. This straightens the toe, reduces pain, decreases inflammation, and supports mobility.
Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses smaller incisions and special surgical tools. This approach typically results in less pain, quicker recovery, and a reduced risk of complications, such as infection and swelling.
You may qualify for Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction if you have a painful bunion that interferes with daily activities, such as walking, standing, or exercising. This is especially true if you’ve tried conservative treatments, such as orthotics, ice, and wearing different shoes, but haven’t experienced a noticeable improvement in your symptoms.
Lapiplasty can treat bunions that are mild, moderate, or severe. Good overall health is important for a successful recovery. We may recommend alternative treatments for patients with medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or circulation issues that can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
This outpatient procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
On the day of your procedure, we administer a nerve block and place you under general anesthesia so you fall asleep. We then make a number of small incisions near the base of your affected toe and use specialized tools to reposition the bones.
After realigning your bone, we insert titanium plates to hold it in place. Once the plates are secure, we close the incisions with stitches and move you to a recovery room. Because it takes several hours for the anesthetic to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Lapiplasty has a 97% success rate. Following surgery, you wear a surgical boot for about three weeks before transitioning to regular shoes. Most patients cannot return to exercise for about three months, and in some cases, recovery takes longer. Following all recovery instructions and attending follow-up appointments as prescribed helps ensure the best possible outcome.
If you have a bunion and you’re tired of it affecting your mobility and quality of life, consider Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction. After a comprehensive foot exam and imaging, we can determine if you’re a candidate and make customized treatment recommendations.
Lapiplasty can help reduce pain, improve joint alignment, and restore your mobility so you can move comfortably. Contact Woodlands Center for Special Surgery today by calling the office near you.
