Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Lapiplasty is an advanced surgical procedure designed to correct bunions at their root cause. Unlike traditional bunion surgeries that focus on shaving the bump or cutting bone, Lapiplasty corrects the misaligned metatarsal bone in three dimensions and secures it with titanium plates. At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM offers Lapiplasty to patients seeking a more reliable, lasting solution for painful bunions.
Why Bunions Need a Root-Cause Solution
A bunion is not just a bump on the side of the foot. It is the visible sign of an unstable joint at the base of the first metatarsal, which allows the bone to drift out of position and rotate. Traditional procedures that remove the bump or cut and shift the bone may not fully address this instability, which can contribute to the bunion returning over time.
How Lapiplasty Works
The Lapiplasty procedure uses specialized instruments to:
- Rotate and realign the entire first metatarsal into its natural position
- Correct the deformity in all three dimensions, including the rotation of the bone
- Secure the unstable joint at its base with titanium plates
By addressing the underlying biomechanical problem, Lapiplasty is designed to deliver more dependable results and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Benefits of Lapiplasty
- Corrects the root cause of the bunion, not just the bump
- Three-dimensional correction of the metatarsal
- Designed to lower the risk of bunion recurrence
- Titanium plate fixation that supports stability during healing
- Many patients can bear weight in a protective boot within days to weeks, compared to longer periods with some traditional methods
Are You a Candidate for Lapiplasty?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Bunion pain that limits your activities or shoe choices
- A bunion that has not improved with wider shoes, padding, or custom orthotics
- A moderate to severe bunion or one caused by an unstable joint
- Related problems such as hammertoes or ball-of-foot pain from the shifted big toe
Dr. Bell will review your X-rays and symptoms to determine whether Lapiplasty or another procedure is best for you.
Recovery After Lapiplasty
Recovery is gradual and personalized. Most patients progress from a protective boot to supportive athletic shoes, then back to normal footwear and activity over the following months. Follow-up visits monitor healing, and orthotics may be recommended to support your long-term results. Patients with diabetes receive added monitoring through our diabetic foot care services.
Learn more about our surgical corrections of foot disorders and broader foot and ankle surgery, or explore all podiatry services.
Lapiplasty FAQs
What is Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is a 3D bunion correction procedure that realigns the first metatarsal at its base and secures it with titanium plates to address the root cause of the bunion.
How is Lapiplasty different from traditional bunion surgery?
Traditional surgeries often shave the bump or cut and shift the bone, while Lapiplasty corrects the unstable joint and the bone’s rotation in three dimensions.
Does Lapiplasty reduce the chance of the bunion returning?
Lapiplasty is designed to lower the risk of recurrence by stabilizing the joint at the base of the metatarsal.
How soon can I walk after Lapiplasty?
Many patients can bear weight in a protective boot within days to weeks, depending on their individual case and surgeon’s guidance.
Are the titanium plates permanent?
The plates are designed to stay in place permanently and are typically not felt, though they can be removed in rare cases if needed.
How long is the full recovery?
Most patients return to normal shoes and many activities within a few months, with continued improvement over time.
Who is a good candidate for Lapiplasty?
Patients with painful bunions that have not improved with conservative care, especially those with an unstable first metatarsal joint, may be good candidates.
Explore Lapiplasty With Dr. Bell
Find out if 3D bunion correction is right for you. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.