What is a Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone. First, it corrects the sideways lean of your metatarsal bone.
How is a Lapiplasty performed?
Instead of cutting the bone in half and shifting the top part over, the patented Lapiplasty Procedure uses specially-designed instrumentation to rotate the entire deviated bone back into its normal anatomical position, naturally straightening your toe; removing the “bump” and associated pain.
How long is the recovery after Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction?
One of the biggest advantages of Lapiplasty is the quick recovery. Patients are allowed early weight-bearing due to the stabilization allowed by the anatomically shaped titanium plates, placed to correct the foundation of the foot and toe. Typical recovery involves 2 weeks of non-weight bearing in a splint. Patients then return to the office, where sutures are removed and patients receive a protective boot. Typically, patients are allowed to walk in the boot until 6 weeks after surgery. A x-ray is obtained at 6 weeks and most patients are transitioned back into normal shoe wear. Full recovery with activities such as running and jumping can take 4-6 months.
What are the risks associated with the Lapiplasty Procedure? 1,2,3
1.Infection.
2.Adverse reactions to a foreign body.
3.Pain, discomfort, or abnormal sensations due to the presence of the implant.
4.Loosening, bending, cracking, or fracture of the implants.
5.Loss of fixation of bone.
How long does it take to recover from Lapiplasty?
How long does it take to recover from the Lapiplasty 3D Correction procedure? Typically, patients are walking within a few days after surgery. Most can return to their occupations within days or a couple of weeks wearing a surgical boot. Around six weeks, patients can expect to be back walking in comfortable shoes.
Symptoms
Here are 5 symptoms to look out for that could make Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction a good option for you: You're seeing a visual "bump" at the base of your big toe. Shoes that once fit comfortably now feel too tight or painful to wear. You experience frequent numbness or tightness in your big toe.
Can I Have Lapiplasty Performed On Both Feet At The Same Time?
With the current state of our healthcare system where patients hit deductible thresholds in their plans before their out-of-pocket amounts drop dramatically, many patients hit their deductible number and then seek to take care of another procedure within the same calendar year. This can be true with bunions and Lapiplasty procedures; patients want to have both feet surgically repaired at the same time.
While this is possible, thanks to the shorter recovery necessary with Lapiplasty, we still don’t recommend this. After all, patients still need to be in a walking boot for the first 6-8 weeks after their Lapiplasty at Bone & Joint Specialists. While that is a far better option than crutches with traditional bunion surgery, it still isn’t normal walking. Having a walking boot on both feet isn’t very practical for most patients.
A better bet would be to wait at least that first 6- to 8-week period before having the second foot operated on. Even a few weeks longer than that would be preferrable.
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For Lapiplasty?
This is general surgery, so you’ll need to prepare as you would for any surgery. You’ll stop taking any blood thinning medication, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and most herbal supplements for a few days before your procedure. These can all lead to excessive bleeding. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop for at least two weeks prior to and following your Lapiplasty because smoking constricts the blood vessels, which impedes healing.
While these recoveries are far easier than with other bunionectomy procedures, you will still need downtime. You’ll want to prepare a recovery nest, complete with all the entertainment options your need and pillows and pads necessary to elevate your leg and for icing. After the first day, you’ll be in a walking boot, and this allows you to get around, but it’s not as if you’ll be moving normally. You’ll want to have someone around to take care of needed chores or childcare. It’s a good idea to cook some meals beforehand and freeze them. You’ll also need to make preparations at work. Most of our patients working a desk job can return to work in from 5 to 14 days. That variation is based on the individual and how they feel. If your job involves labor or being on your feet for prolonged periods you’ll need more time, possibly 4 to 6 weeks.
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