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Lapiplasty® 101: Everything You Need to Know About Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®

What is the Lapiplasty® Procedure?

One common misconception is that a bunion is just a bump that can simply be shaved off. Bunions are progressive, complex deformities that originate from an unstable joint in the middle of the foot (the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint), which often lead to a three-dimensional (3D) misalignment in the foot’s anatomical structure. This misalignment causes the metatarsal bone to lean inwards, resulting in a painful bump at the base of the big toe.

The Lapiplasty® Procedure addresses the true root cause of bunions by stabilizing the joint at the base of the big toes and rotating the bone back into normal three-dimensional alignment. Titanium plates are used to secure the unstable joint, allowing patients to put weight on their foot shortly after surgery in a boot.1,2

How does Lapiplasty® Work?

Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® uses instruments that have been specifically designed to rotate the bone back to its normal position. This straightens the toe, removes the bump, and provides pain relief.
Watch HERE for the full breakdown of the procedure.

What types of Lapiplasty® procedures are available?

There are other types of Lapiplasty® procedures to address the root cause of bunions:

The Mini-IncisionTM Procedure utilizes specialized technology to perform the patented Lapiplasty® surgical approach at the root cause of the bunion (unstable joint) through a mini, 3.5 cm incision. This specific procedure provides a realignment to the metatarsal and big toe joint; the bone doesn’t have to be cut in an awkward fashion to reduce the bunion, restoring anatomic alignment.

An arthrodesis (fusion) of the big toe joint using Lapiplasty® technology is designed to straighten the big toe by repositioning the 3D alignment of the big toe joint, and utilizes patented Lapiplasty® fixation technology to secure the joint.1,2

How does Lapiplasty® compare to other bunion treatment options?

The Lapiplasty® Procedure addresses the root cause of the deformity, and most patients may begin partial weight-bearing activities in less than two weeks.3,4

While bunionectomy can provide relief from bunion-related pain and discomfort, it may not address the underlying three-dimensional misalignment of the metatarsal bone, with up to 78% chance of bunions returning.1,2*

Alternatives to bunionectomy include wearing loose or open shoes, protective pads and orthotics, and pain relief from anti-inflammatory medicines.

There are quite a few treatment options available, and the right choice depends on your individual needs and circumstances after an extensive consultation with a surgeon.

Lapiplasty vs. Non-Surgical Treatments

There are many conservative measures a person can take before seeking bunion surgery. Non-surgical treatments can involve toe spacers, pain medicine, and padding, to name a few; the following easy exercises are an option that most people aren’t aware of when looking to alleviate bunion discomfort.

  1. Stretching your toes. Alternating pointing your toes straight ahead five seconds and curling them under.
  2. Toe flexes. Pressing your toes against the wall may help. Hold your toes in this position, and then flex them in the opposite direction.
  3. Walking barefoot on the beach. Walking on sand helps to strengthen the toes, and as an added bonus, it gives your feet a gentle foot massage.
  4. Resistance exercises. Using an exercise band, a belt, or even a rolled-up towel, pull your big toe toward you while pushing your foot forward at the same time. The resistance will help to build strength in your big toe.
  5. Ball roll. Massage the bottom of your feet by rolling a golf ball or a tennis ball under your foot. This can help relieve strain in the foot as well as cramping.
  6. Gripping exercises. Another good exercise is to pick up small objects, such as marbles, with your toes. Try picking up marbles one by one and placing them in a container.

It’s important to have an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist evaluate your bunion early on, so it doesn’t progress and worsen with time. In the meantime, these exercises can help manage pain in the early stages of bunion development.

Lapiplasty® vs. other bunion surgeries

Bunions are a 3D problem, and the Lapiplasty® Procedure is a 3D solution to get patients back on their feet quickly in a walking boot.3,4

Which doctors can perform the Lapiplasty® Procedure?

Lapiplasty® doctors proudly choose the Lapiplasty® Procedure because it’s changed the game when it comes to bunion surgery by allowing for bunion correction at the root cause. In fact, the Lapiplasty® Procedure is the #1 Most Commonly Used 3D Bunion Correction Procedure by US Surgeons.9

Watch Lapiplasty® doctors explain why they choose the Lapiplasty® Procedure for their patients HERE.

Lapiplasty® surgeons are trained in a best-in-class medical education program, with highly experienced surgeon faculty, focused on understanding and treating hallux valgus deformities from a three-dimensional perspective. Click HERE to find a doctor near you.

How much does the Lapiplasty® Procedure cost?

The cost of the Lapiplasty® Procedure surgery can vary significantly based on various factors, including the geographic location of the surgical facility, the specific surgeon’s experience and expertise, the hospital or outpatient center where the procedure is performed, the severity of the bunion deformity, and any additional medical expenses or post-surgery care required.

This cost typically includes surgeon, anesthesia, hospital or facility fees, pre-surgery tests, post-surgery follow-up visits, and any necessary medical supplies used during the procedure. The actual cost will vary from case to case.

Moreover, the cost of surgery might be partially or fully covered by health insurance, depending on the individual’s insurance policy and the medical necessity of the procedure. Because these variances greatly impact the total cost of the procedure, it’s much more accurate to get the total cost estimate directly from your doctor. Once your doctor determines that you are a good candidate for the Lapiplasty® Procedure, he/she or can reach out to your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage and communicate the final cost back to you so that you will know exactly what to expect before the surgery. If you do not have insurance, it would be a good idea to speak with your doctor’s office and see what type of payment plan they may have available to patients, such as yourself.

Is the Lapiplasty® Procedure covered by insurance?

Is the Lapiplasty® Procedure covered by insurance? Good news: yes! Insurance and Medicare typically cover bunionectomy and joint fusion procedures that utilize the Lapiplasty® System (when the procedures are medically necessary). Your doctor can reach out to your insurer to determine coverage.

Can I get the Lapiplasty® Procedure on both feet at one time?

Undergoing this surgery on both feet simultaneously may have a more significant impact on daily activities during recovery, which is important to take into consideration. Walking and weight-bearing might be limited for a few weeks after the procedure, so additional assistance from friends or family members during this time might be necessary.

While it is possible, most doctors do not recommend it in favor of doing one at a time simply to help facilitate recovery. Most doctors like to have patients have one good mobile foot to rest and rely on during recovery. Walking in two walking boots is bulky and can be difficult to manage. If this is an important consideration for you, we advise you to talk to your doctor to see what might work best for you.

If you’d like to find a locally-trained Lapiplasty® doctor to consult with, we invite you to visit our Find A Doctor webpage at: www.Lapiplasty.com/doctor. You will enter your zip code and click “Submit” for a selection of Lapiplasty® doctors to display for your consideration. For your convenience, doctors within the listing may be highlighted based on their experience with the Lapiplasty® Procedure; however, you are responsible for making an independent determination as to whether or not a doctor is right for you.

Is the Lapiplasty® Procedure effective at correcting a bunion?

Is the Lapiplasty® Procedure effective? Yes, Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® is an evidence based solution that was developed by a group of leading foot and ankle surgeons and is directly supported by 21 clinical publications. By providing a 3D correction that secures the unstable foundation (the joint that allows the metatarsal bone to drift out of 3D alignment and cause the visible “bump” on the inside of the foot), this advanced procedure produces positive results.

Powerful technology and advanced surgeon training deliver the patented 3D Bunion Correction® in an outpatient procedure where:
– Patients get back on their feet quickly (typically 3-10 days in a walking boot).3,4
– 97% of patients have maintained their 3D bunion correction at 13 months post-op.3
– The Lapiplasty® Procedure has shown low recurrence: 97% to 99% maintain 3D correction in studies at 13 and 17 months follow up respectively.3,6

Bunions are a 3D problem, and 67 million Americans are affected by a bunion deformity.8 The advanced technology and precision of the Lapiplasty® Procedure is designed to correct all three dimensions of the bunion at the root cause, returning the bone back to normal alignment and allowing the patient to resume their active lifestyle (after following their surgeon’s protocol).

What is recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure like?

In terms of recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure, a typical post-operative timeline is outlined below. Each patient’s recovery experience can vary, and an individual recovery plan will be developed by your doctor based on several factors, including additional surgical procedures performed, specific health condition(s), and the doctor’s preferred protocol. Only a doctor can advise you on what to expect for your specific condition. Please use our Find a Doctor search tool to consult with a Lapiplasty® surgeon near you. A general recovery timeline for the Lapiplasty® Procedure is as follows:

Within two weeks: Begin to put some weight on your foot3,4

Next 4-6 weeks: Walk in a boot and return to light activities3

At 6-8 weeks: Transition back into comfortable shoes3

At 4-6 months: Resume most activities and return to normal footwear3

Will bunions come back after the Lapiplasty® Procedure?

Do bunions come back after the Lapiplasty® Procedure? Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® is effective in reducing the risk of bunion recurrence.* The Lapiplasty® technique addresses the three-dimensional misalignment of the metatarsal bone and stabilizes it with medical-grade titanium plates and screws, promoting proper healing and reducing the likelihood of the bunion returning. However, no surgical procedure can guarantee a 100% success rate or complete prevention of recurrence. Factors such as individual anatomy, foot mechanics, and post-operative care can influence the long-term outcome.

Wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding excessive stress on the foot during the healing process, and participating in any prescribed rehabilitation exercises the surgeon advised is crucial, as are follow-up visits. If a bunion does recur or if there are any complications, early detection may lead to more effective interventions.

Will I be able to return to physical activity after the Lapiplasty® Procedure?

While the recovery process is crucial for successful healing, patients will be able to eventually return to exercise after the Lapiplasty® Procedure.

Your surgeon will provide guidance on when you can slowly increase weight-bearing and engage in a workout after the Lapiplasty® Procedure. Walking short distances and light exercises may be recommended. Avoid high-impact intense activities that would put significant stress on the foot for several weeks (or as instructed by your surgeon), such as running and jumping.

Your surgeon may prescribe physical therapy to help with mobility, strengthening, and improving the range of motion in your foot. (Pay attention to how your foot feels during and after physical activity. If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort, it’s a sign to slow down and rest.)

Remember that it is important to follow your surgeon’s recovery protocols, and consult with your surgeon about your particular situation.

How do I get started with the Lapiplasty® Procedure for bunion correction?

If you’re interested in getting started with Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified foot and ankle surgeon who is experienced in performing the Lapiplasty® Procedure. Use our Find A Doctor link: https://www.lapiplasty.com/find-a-doctor/.

During your appointment, your bunion, foot structure, and overall health will be evaluated to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

The decision to undergo surgery should not be taken lightly. There are several factors that will determine the results from surgery, and only your doctor can advise if your specific condition makes you a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®.

As with any surgery, there are risks, and everyone’s recovery time varies. These risks include but are not limited to:

  • Infection
  • Pain, discomfort, or abnormal sensations due to the presence of the implant
  • Loosening, bending, cracking, or fracture of the implants
  • Loss of fixation of bone
  • Delayed or loss of correction/anatomic position with nonunion or malunion
    • Nonunion is when a fractured bone has been unable to heal
    • Malunion is when a fracture has healed in an abnormal or suboptimal position
  • Delayed correction in alignment of the bones
  • Decrease in bone density
  • Bursitis or inflammation of the bursa sac, which provides cushion and aids in reducing friction between tissues
  • Revision surgery or removal of the implants

Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for proper postoperative care, and ensure that you have a full understanding of the recovery process associated with the Lapiplasty® Procedure.

For further information on the recovery process, visit: Recovery Information.

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As a medical device manufacturer, Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. cannot provide any opinions or other medical advice to patients. For medical advice please contact your doctor.