Lapidus Bunionectomy in Bridgewater NJ

What Is a Lapidus Bunionectomy?

A Lapidus bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a severe bunion deformity. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the great toe to deviate toward the second toe and shift the entire foot alignment. In some cases, this deviation can be so severe that it affects the alignment of the entire foot.

The Lapidus bunionectomy is designed to realign the bones in the foot and correct the underlying structural deformity at the center of its angular rotation that is causing the bunion formation. To achieve this, the decision is made to fuse the motion of the base of the first metatarsal bone and the medial cuneiform.

During the procedure, an incision is made on the top of the foot and the first metatarsal bone is separated from the midfoot bones. The surgeon then realigns the bone and secures it with screws and a plate. The Lapidus procedure may be recommended for patients who have a severe bunion deformity, a hypermobile or unstable first metatarsal bone, or who have failed to achieve relief with other conservative treatments.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a Lapidus bunionectomy, including infection, numbness, bleeding, possible nerve damage, and poor wound healing. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor to determine if it is the right treatment option for them.

What Is a Lapiplasty?

The Lapiplasty procedure is designed to correct the underlying cause of the bunion by realigning the bones in a three-dimensional plane. This approach to a Lapidus bunionectomy involves making a small incision in the foot and using specially designed instruments to shift the affected bone back into its correct position. Once the bone is realigned, small titanium plates are used to stabilize it while it heals.

The benefits of Lapiplasty over traditional bunion surgery include faster recovery time, a lower risk of recurrence, and the ability to bear weight on the foot shortly after surgery. Patients who undergo Lapiplasty can typically return to their normal activities within a few weeks, with a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks of non weight bearing time required to allow for appropriate skin healing.

Lapiplasty is not appropriate for all patients with bunions, and the procedure should be carefully considered in consultation with your foot and ankle specialist at PS Foot and Ankle. While Lapiplasty has shown promising results for many patients, each individual case is unique and may require a customized approach to treatment. Dr. Sanghvi has extensively trained with the Lapiplasty system throughout her residency and is very proficient in this procedure.