Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Surgery™: Innovative Treatment to Get Patients on Their Feet

Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma team of board-certified surgeons pursue continuous education in our mission to provide the highest level of patient care. We are proud to be a certified provider of a breakthrough option for bunion treatment: Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Surgery™.  

The Lapiplasty® Difference

A common misconception is that a bunion is simply a “bump” that can be “shaved off.” But, bunions are more than a bump – they are complex 3D problems caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot. While most bunion surgery is only 2D and fails to address the root cause, Lapiplasty® provides a 3D correction and secures the unstable joint.

Traditional bunion surgery (osteotomy) operates in “two dimensions” by cutting and shifting the metatarsal bone. The focus is on realigning the metatarsal with the toe joint and shaving any excess bone if needed. While this surgery typically provides relief, studies show that 87% of bunions are misaligned in three dimensions, including a rotation originating at the metatarsal joint. 

Osteotomy resolves the vertical and horizontal misalignment of the bone without addressing this rotation or its root cause: an unstable metatarsal joint. The bunion itself is a painful symptom of a more complex condition.

Without addressing this deeper malformity, more than 50% of patients may suffer a recurrence of their bunion. Fortunately, Lapiplasty® has emerged as an exciting alternative to conventional osteotomy. Made possible through advancements in 3D imaging and weight-bearing CT scans, Lapiplasty®, uses two small, anatomically-shaped titanium plates to permanently stabilize the problem joint and align the bone in all three dimensions.

Recovery Expectations

The Lapiplasty® procedure and use of medical-grade titanium plating technology rapidly accelerates recovery time versus traditional bunion surgery. While individual results and recommendations vary, patients can typically bear weight (wearing a walking boot) within two weeks of the procedure, move into comfortable shoes six to eight weeks out, and return to normal activities and footwear within four to six months.

Next Steps

Call Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma to discuss your candidacy for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Surgery and learn more about why patient demand has made Lapiplasty® the #1 bunion procedure in the United States.