Lapiplasty®: A Breakthrough in Bunion Surgery

If you are experiencing bunion pain that affects your daily activities, you are not alone. Bunions, also referred to as hallux valgus, are a common foot deformity that can cause discomfort, swelling and difficulty walking. These bony bumps form at the base of the big toe due to misalignment in the foot’s structure, gradually worsening over time.

A bunion is a progressive condition that often starts with a slight leaning of the big toe. As the misalignment increases, the bump becomes more pronounced, leading to pain from pressure, shoe irritation and changes in foot function. While wider shoes and orthotic padding may provide temporary relief, they do not address the condition's underlying cause.

At Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, we offer the Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction procedure, a type of surgery that can help relieve pain and restore comfort and mobility.

How Does the Lapiplasty Procedure Work?

Bunions are more than just visible bumps. They result from an unstable joint in the middle of the foot, causing the bone to shift out of place. The Lapiplasty procedure is designed to correct this issue at its source using 3D bunion correction technology. The Lapiplasty bunion surgery realigns the entire bone in three dimensions (tri-plane correction) and secures the unstable joint to prevent the bunion from returning. It can be used for mild, moderate and severe bunions to help restore foot stability and long-term function.

How Is Lapiplasty Different From Traditional Bunion Surgery?

Traditional bunion surgery, known as an osteotomy, involves making precise cuts in the bone to realign the joint. Once the bone is repositioned, it is secured using pins, screws or plates to help stabilize the correction. In some cases, surgeons remove a small wedge of bone to achieve proper alignment. Soft tissue procedures are often performed alongside the osteotomy to maintain the big toe's new position.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery, such as Lapiplasty bunion surgery, follows a similar principle but is performed through small incisions rather than large surgical cuts. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon makes precise cuts in the bone, realigns it and secures it with screws, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues. The goal of this technique is to decrease healing time, minimize scarring and improve post-surgical recovery compared to traditional methods.

The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half and is usually performed under general anesthesia. While some patients may require a short hospital stay, others can return home the same day if they have support during recovery. Minimally invasive bunion realignment surgery helps patients experience less pain and faster healing while still achieving long-term results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lapiplasty?

Bunions affect people differently. Some experience only minor discomfort, while others struggle with pain, instability and difficulty walking. If a bunion becomes a significant problem and nonsurgical treatments do not provide relief, bunion realignment surgery may be the best option. It is important to note that bunion surgery is not performed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, individuals may experience ongoing toe pain after surgery, even if they did not have significant discomfort before the procedure. However, if a bunion is severely affecting a person’s quality of life, surgery may help by:

  • Relieving pain and reducing chronic inflammation
  • Improving foot stability to restore normal function
  • Preventing further complications, such as osteoarthritis, hammer toes or claw toes
  • Enhancing mobility, making it easier to walk and wear comfortable shoes

Good candidates for bunion surgery commonly have the following:

  • Significant foot pain that makes it difficult to walk, even in athletic footwear
  • Chronic swelling and inflammation in the big toe that does not improve with rest or medication
  • Toe misalignment, where the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, leading to overlap or additional deformities

In general, if the bunion is not causing pain or interfering with daily activities, surgery may not be necessary. While bunions can gradually worsen, doctors typically do not recommend surgery solely to prevent progression. Many people manage symptoms with proper footwear and other conservative treatments, allowing them to stay active without discomfort.

Find an Orthopedic Doctor

Healthcare is better together.

Choosing an orthopedic doctor is vital for successful treatment. Patients should seek providers with experience in their specific condition, whether arthritis, knee replacement surgery or other orthopedic needs, such as bunion correction. At Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, we provide experienced and comprehensive care, including surgical and nonsurgical options tailored to each patient's needs.

Let us help you navigate your journey to better health. Call 281-351-7261 or find a doctor here near your location. If it is an emergency, such as broken bones or severe bleeding from an injury, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please don't delay care. 

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