Before learning about Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery we must know what is Bunion. A bunion is a foot malformation that impacts the big toe joint at the base of the foot. It is characterized by a bone outgrowth and a joint misalignment that cause discomfort and make walking difficult.

In traditional bunion surgery, the bony protrusion is removed, the joint is realigned, and frequently screws or pins are used to hold the bone in place. Lapiplasty bunion surgery is a newer, advanced technique that addresses the underlying cause of the bunion by rotating the bone back into its normal position and fixing it with specialized metal plates. This minimally invasive procedure has revolutionized bunion surgery by reducing recovery time, improving cosmetic results, and lowering the risk of recurrence.

Causes Of Bunion

The exact cause of bunions is not fully understood, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of factors:

1. Genetics
2. Wear tight-fitted shoes
3. Wear poorly fitted shoes
4. Genetics
5. Medical Conditions like arthritis
6. Excessive pressure on the joint

How Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Works

The treatment mechanism involves correcting the bone abnormality in three dimensions. A small incision is made on the side of the foot to expose the injured joint before the procedure begins. The metatarsal bone is subsequently rotated back into place by the surgeon using specialized tools. Once the bone is properly aligned, the surgeon utilizes a titanium plate to firmly fix the bone in place, providing the joint with long-term stability and support that enables a person to walk normally without any trouble.

Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Cost

In the United States, the typical cost of Lapiplasty bunion surgery is between $5,000 and $15,000, with many patients spending around $10,000. It is crucial to remember that this price may not cover other expenses like preoperative medical assessments, postoperative follow-up visits, or physical therapy. Instead, it usually includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthetic fees, and facility fees.

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Lapiplasty VS Traditional Bunion Surgery

Note: The comparison which is given above is only a general comparison it can be slightly changed according to the patient’s case and how doctors or surgeons deal with it.

There is a detailed study conducted by Washington Orthopaedic Center in this study they conclude that the patients who have traditional surgery resulting their bunion back after some time but the patient who has Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery is getting better day by day and it is better than traditional surgery.

Preparing For Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery

Step 1: Evaluation by a Podiatrist

A trained foot and ankle surgeon, such as a podiatrist, should conduct an in-depth examination prior to performing Lapiplasty bunion surgery. To decide if a patient is a good candidate for the operation, the podiatrist will examine the foot, conduct X-rays or other imaging tests, and analyze the patient’s medical history.

Step 2: Medical Clearance from a Primary Care Physician

Before making any type of surgery doctor may examine or take some more text to make sure that patients are healthy enough to bear this surgery or not. if the answer is yes then they go ahead with the surgery and write approval.

Step 3: Preoperative Instructions

The podiatrist will provide specific instructions to patients on how to prepare for Lapiplasty bunion surgery. Such as:

Medication management_Prior to surgery, patients must follow instructions regarding which medications to take and which to skip. This may require staying away from blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen as well as any other prescription drugs or dietary supplements that could raise the risk of bleeding.

Fasting Requirements_Prior to surgery, patients will be required to adhere to certain fasting guidelines. This can entail abstaining from food and drink for eight to twelve hours before the surgery.

Transportation Arrangements_Since they won’t be able to drive themselves home following surgery, patients must make transportation plans for both getting to and from the medical facility. It’s crucial to make arrangements for a mature adult to accompany the patient and help with any postoperative need.

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The Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Process

There are five steps included in this surgery which explain below one by one:

Anesthesia

The patient will be given anesthesia to ensure that he or she does not feel any pain during surgery. This may include local anesthesia to numb the foot, or general anesthesia to induce sleep.

Incision and Bone Preparation

The surgeon will make a small incision on the side of the foot near the bunion. The bony bump will be removed, and the joint will be exposed. The joint surface will be carefully prepared to ensure a precise and stable realignment.

Bone Realignment

The surgeon will use the Lapiplasty device to reposition the bones of the big toe joint into their correct alignment. The device is designed to correct all three planes of the deformity, ensuring a stable and long-lasting correction.

Placement of Fixation Hardware

Once the bones have been realigned, the surgeon will use the Lapiplasty device to place three titanium plates in the foot to stabilize the bones and hold them in their corrected position. These plates are designed to allow for early weight-bearing and can help promote faster healing.

Incision Closure

A sterile dressing will be used to cover the surgical site before the incision is stitched or stapled shut.

Overall, the Lapiplasty bunion surgery process typically takes around 60-90 minutes to complete, and patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure.

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Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Recovery Time

After Lapiplasty bunion surgery, patients will typically experience some pain and discomfort in the affected foot. The recovery process involves several stages of care, including:

Immediate Postoperative Care

In the first few days following surgery, patients will need to manage their pain and follow specific wound care instructions to ensure proper healing. Pain management may involve the use of prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, while wound care may involve keeping the incision site clean and dry and changing the dressing as directed. Rest and elevation of the foot can also help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Gradual Resumption Of Activity

As the foot begins to heal, patients will gradually resume activity under the guidance of their surgeon or physical therapist. Physical therapy may include exercises to restore strength and mobility to the foot, as well as gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises. Patients will also receive recommendations for appropriate footwear to support the healing process and prevent future bunion formation.

Follow-up appointments

Regular follow-up checkups are very important to check the healing process and if needed adjust medications and also prescribed therapies according to patient needs. Patients should also contact their surgeon if they experience any unexpected symptoms, such as increased pain or swelling, fever, or signs of infection.

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Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Pros And Cons

Lapiplasty bunion surgery has both advantages and disadvantages that patients should consider before deciding on the procedure.

Pros

• Corrects the root cause of the bunion deformity, preventing the likelihood of recurrence
• Results in a more natural foot shape and alignment
• Allows for a quicker return to normal activities than traditional bunion surgery
• Reduces the risk of complications and delayed healing associated with traditional bunion surgery

Cons

• Demands for a surgeon who has received specialist training in the Lapiplasty operation.
• Perhaps more costly than conventional bunion surgery so everybody cannot afford it
• Patients may experience some pain and discomfort during the recovery period
• Not suitable for all patients, as it may not be appropriate for more severe or complex bunion deformities

Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Before And After

Before and after the procedure, patients can expect to see the following changes:

Before Surgery

• Pain and discomfort in the affected foot
• Visible bunion deformity on the side of the foot
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• Limited mobility and activity level

After Surgery

• Reduced pain and discomfort in the foot
• Improved appearance of the foot with a more natural shape
• Increased ability to wear a wider variety of shoes
• Improved mobility and activity level

Conclusion

A bunion is a foot malformation that is recognized by bone outgrowth and joint misalignment. The procedure used to cure this illness is known as Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery. It causes involves wearing tight-fitted shoes, excessive pressure on foot joints and genetics, etc. The cost of this surgery ranges between $5000 to $15000.The process of bunion surgery includes 5 steps. There are also some cons and pros of this surgery that one should consider before taking the decision of surgery.

Video Credits:

University Foot and Ankle Institute, Santa Monica