Stepping Back onto the Beach with Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™

There are numerous foot and ankle issues that can leave patients with long-lasting pain. I have treated many of them including hammertoes, fractures, and arthritis during my time as an orthopedic surgeon, but one of the most common conditions I see in are bunions. Many of my bunion patients have had to limit their physical activities like swimming, running, Pilates, and even walking as their deformity worsens over time[1]. A large number of them express frustration and experience a negative emotional impact as a result of the condition’s disruption to their lifestyles. Now, I am pleased to offer my patients Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™, a surgical option that addresses the root cause of bunions[2].

Many common beliefs about bunions, such as that they are an overgrowth of bone on the side of the toe or that only women can get them, are false. Anyone can develop the condition and they often run in families. A bunion is actually a bone deformity that occurs when unstable bones in the top of the foot slide out of place, resulting in the big toe drifting out of alignment.

Various nonsurgical methods such as shoe inserts, splints and pads are sometimes able to help with manage the pain caused by bunions, but those options only provide temporary relief[3]. The only way to truly correct a bunion is through surgery[4]. The traditional method is a 2D osteotomy procedure often referred to as “shave it off” surgery. With this option, the root cause of the bunion is not addressed. There is about a 70% chance of the bunion recurring later in life, and patients generally must remain non-weightbearing for up to six to eight weeks after the surgery[5],[6].

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™, allowing podiatric specialists across the country to offer their patients another option to correct the condition. This approach addresses all three dimensions of the deformity by properly aligning and securing the bones in the foot using a system of patented titanium plates[7]. The procedure is also proven to correct the cosmetic bump on the side of the big toe. Many patients are able to place weight on their corrected foot while wearing a surgical boot within two weeks after surgery and most return to normal physical activities starting after about four months[8],[9]. The rate of recurrence for bunions following this surgery remains low at 1-3% as demonstrated in 13- and 17-months studies, respectively[10].

It has been very fulfilling to see the impact Lapiplasty® has had on my patients. Whether it’s running another five miles on the beach or walking five feet to the break room, patients suffering from bunions need relief. Lapiplasty® provides a way for patients to return to the lifestyles they love, and I am very excited to continue offering patients an alternative approach to a bunion-free lifestyle.

For more information about the Lapiplasty® Procedure visit Lapiplasty.com. To schedule an appointment with me, call (305) 667-8686 or visit www.FernandoAranMD.com.

Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ is right for you. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary and this experience is unique and specific to this patient only. There are potential risks with surgery and recovery takes time. Potential risks include, but are not limited to: infection, pain, discomfort from the presence of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction with nonunion or malunion.

[1] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2019.

[2] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2019. 58:427-433.

[3] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2019.

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Website, ©2019.

[4] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2019.

[5] Park CH, Ahn JY, Kim YM, Lee WC. Int Orthop. 2013 Jun;37(6):1085-92.

[6] Jeuken RM, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2016. 37:687-95.

[7] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016. 55:567-71.

[8] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2019. 58:427-433.

[9] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[10] Ray J, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Aug;40(8):955-960.