Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction

What is lapiplasty?

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is an advanced surgical method that has transformed the treatment of bunions. Unlike traditional bunion surgeries, which primarily focus on reducing the bony bump, Lapiplasty 3D aims to correct the underlying structural misalignment of the foot, providing a lasting solution rather than simply shaving down the protruding bone.

Until the advent of the Lapiplasty procedure (a 3D bunion correction technology), surgeons approached bunion correction with an osteotomy. In an osteotomy procedure, the surgeon cuts the bone and pushes the top part over to reduce the appearance of the bump. Although this procedure is successful for some bunions, other bunions require more advanced methods to correct the bunion at its core.

While osteotomy seems successful because the bump has disappeared, it does nothing to address the actual cause of the bunion — an unstable joint.

Lapiplasty is one of Dr. Baravarian’s next-generation Lapidus Bunionectomies that he performs. Here, he utilizes patented instrumentation to gently manipulate the deviated bone back into its original position without requiring bone cutting. The procedure naturally realigns the foot and straightens the big toe, alleviating the bump and accompanying pain.

Once proper alignment is achieved, Lapiplasty uses innovative bone fixation technology to secure the bones.

How does lapiplasty work?

Preoperative planning

Before surgery, Dr. Bob conducts a comprehensive assessment, including:

• 3D imaging and X-rays: Advanced imaging techniques enable surgeons to evaluate the precise structure of the foot.
• Gait analysis: The patient’s walking pattern is analyzed to determine the degree of misalignment and biomechanical issues.
• Custom surgical plan: The data gathered creates a highly personalized surgical approach tailored to the patient’s needs.

Dr. Bob uses 3D imaging (medically known as C-arm CT) to design and perform the surgery on your metatarsal bone. This technique enables the capture of crystal-clear images, allowing for the observation of the intricacies of the foot and ankle during surgery. These 3D images allow the surgeon to visualize each joint in the foot and ankle, identifying any alignment issues and determining the most effective correction.

This imaging also allows Dr. Bob to address the structural problems beneath the surface of the foot with advanced fixation technology. With high-quality images in hand, Dr. Bob utilizes the Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction to correct all three dimensions of your toe joint.

The surgical process

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction involves three main steps:

• Bone realignment: Using precision-guided tools, the surgeon repositions the metatarsal bone to its natural alignment.
• Fixation with advanced implants: Biocompatible implants secure the corrected bone structure, ensuring long-term stability.
• Minimally invasive closure: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, minimizing scarring and promoting faster healing.

The surgery typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the bunion and the patient’s specific needs.

Postoperative care instructions

• Keep the foot elevated: Reduces swelling and speeds up healing.
• Follow weight-bearing guidelines: Dr. Bob will advise you on when you can bear full weight on the foot.
• Use orthopedic footwear: Special footwear may be recommended to protect the correction during the initial healing phase.
• Physical therapy: Helps restore strength, flexibility, and function.

The Lapiplasty system has been FDA-cleared since 2015.

What are the benefits of lapiplasty bunion correction? 

There are several reasons that doctors are using this innovative technique. These include:

• Low recurrence rate: Lapiplasty addresses the underlying misalignment; almost 99% of patients maintain the 3D correction after 17 months
• Quicker recovery time. In many cases, patients are weight-bearing within a few days of their surgery, which is an improvement over traditional bunion surgery, which requires seven to nine weeks of non-weight-bearing.
• Reduces operative time and decreases patient exposure to anesthesia.
• Far less pain than traditional bunionectomy.
• Lower risk of postoperative infection.
• Cosmetically less scarring.
• No external pins and wires, which reduces the chances of infection.
• Advanced techniques cause less soft tissue to be disturbed during surgery, which reduces pain and swelling. This minimally invasive technique also facilitates a more rapid return to daily activities.
• No long-term need for a scooter, wheelchair, or crutches to remain mobile.

Why trust Dr. Baravarian with your lapiplasty foot surgery? 

Dr. Bob treats you as an individual, not as just another patient. When creating a bunion treatment plan, he takes into account your physical activities, profession, and what you expect to see as a result of the treatment. 

The bottom line is that Dr. Bob, recognized worldwide for his skill, only uses bunion surgery as a last resort. Most innovative treatment options are not surgical, but rather more conservative ways to relieve foot pain and get you back on your feet.

He understands that your time is valuable, so when Dr. Bob requires a more detailed look at your feet, he doesn’t ask you to go anywhere else. He has his MRI, X-ray, and CT scan equipment.

Additionally, he offers on-site physical therapy, which streamlines your recovery and enables Dr. Bob to monitor your progress closely.

If you suffer from bunion pain and would like to schedule a consultation, please call (855) 557-5400 or make an appointment online now. 

Expert Lapiplasty bunion surgery near me 

Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.

Lapiplasty FAQs

What happens before lapiplasty surgery?

Before surgery, Dr. Baravarian performs a comprehensive assessment and creates a surgical plan. This assessment is an outpatient surgery performed at a surgery center. You’ll be given light sedation, allowing you to sleep without the need for general anesthesia, and local anesthesia makes the procedure pain-free.

What is lapiplasty surgery recovery?

At the end of the surgery, the foot is dressed and placed in a walking boot. Immediate weight-bearing is allowed in most cases.

The bunion correction protocols Dr. Bob helped develop result in an essentially painless recovery. The overwhelming majority of patients rarely take more than one or two prescribed pain pills following surgery and can manage their post-op pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. With decades of surgical experience, Dr. Bob uses plastic surgery closure techniques that result in minimal to no scarring.

The patient is seen five days after surgery, and the foot is checked. Sutures are often removed, and the patient is allowed to bathe and get the foot washed. Range of motion exercises have begun, and you can expect to start walking in comfortable shoes four to six weeks post-surgery.

Depending on the occupation, most patients return to work within five days. However, if you are doing work that requires standing for long periods, it may take between four and six weeks for you to return to work safely.

About three to four months post-surgery, most patients can resume regular and high-impact activities.

Read tips on how to prepare your house for your bunion surgery recovery.

Will lapiplasty surgery change my shoe size?

In most cases, foot width will decrease, meaning you’ll feel more comfortable in shoes. The foot width will narrow with realignment and correction of the metatarsal bone. And the good news is that with the reduction of the bunion deformity, you will be able to return to the shoe wear of your choice!

Lapidus bunionectomy vs. lapiplasty: what’s the difference?

Unlike the traditional Lapidus bunionectomy, which is more challenging to use to correct the bone in all three planes, the Lapiplasty procedure addresses all three dimensions of the bunion by rotating the entire affected metatarsal bone back into normal alignment and securing it.

Can I have lapiplasty after a failed bunion correction procedure?

Yes, Dr. Bob has successfully performed the lapiplasty procedure on patients with a failed traditional bunion surgery. The Lapiplasty procedure addresses the root cause of the bunion, resulting in a successful outcome and significantly reducing the likelihood of reoccurrence.

When can I drive after lapiplasty surgery?

If the surgery was on your right foot, it will be five days before you can drive. However, if the surgery was on your left foot, Dr. Bob can get patients driving as soon as you are comfortable keeping the foot down.

Does insurance cover lapiplasty surgery?

While most insurance policies cover Lapiplasty, you will need to work with your provider to determine your level of coverage.

What hardware is used during lapiplasty?

During the surgery, the unstable joint is secured with patented titanium plates.

What happens if I do nothing about my bunion?

Early-stage bunion deformities will almost always get worse over time. Bunion progression cannot be stopped. Over time, your bunions will cause increased swelling, which will lead to more pain and become more pronounced as well. Other complications include osteoarthritis, bursitis, and crossover toe.

Who’s not a candidate for lapiplasty?

Eligibility for the Lapiplasty® Procedure is restricted under the following conditions:

• Children under the age of 12.
• Adolescents aged 12-21 with open growth plates in bones that are not yet fully mature, where the implant would intersect these areas.
• Additionally, you may be disqualified from undergoing any surgical procedure, including Lapiplasty®, if you have:
• An active infection.
• Compromised blood circulation, are obese, or have bone that is either insufficient in quantity or quality.
• Mental or neurological disorders could hinder adherence to postoperative care guidelines.
• A known allergic reaction to the implantation of foreign materials or the specific materials used in the implant.
• In cases of suspected material sensitivity, appropriate testing should be conducted before implantation of the device.

Lapiplasty 3D is ideal for most patients with moderate to severe bunions. However, some individuals with complex deformities or severe arthritis may require alternative treatment approaches. To determine suitability, a consultation with a trained specialist is necessary.

Are there any risks associated with lapiplasty surgery?

Like all medical procedures, outcomes can differ from person to person. While there are numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and understand that recovery times can vary. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Infection.
• Adverse reactions to the implant.
• Experiencing pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations due to the implant.
• The possibility of the implant loosening, bending, cracking, or breaking.
• Failure of the bone to properly secure to the implant.
• Potential for delayed healing, or in some cases, failure to heal correctly, leading to a loss of correction or the bones not returning to their natural position. This can result in nonunion (where a fracture fails to heal) or malunion (where a fracture heals in a misaligned position).
• Bursitis, or the inflammation of the bursa, can increase friction in the tissues.

Does insurance cover the cost of lapiplasty 3D bunion surgery?

Most insurance providers cover bunion correction procedures. However, coverage specifics vary, and patients should consult their insurance provider for detailed information.