Lapiplasty for Bunions in Houston
Lapiplasty is an advanced 3D bunion correction procedure that addresses the true cause of most bunions: an unstable joint at the base of the big toe. At Foot Specialists of Memorial, our surgeons are highly trained in this innovative procedure, delivering a complete, long-lasting correction and a faster return to weight-bearing.
request an appointmentA Better Approach to Bunion Surgery
A bunion is more than a bump on the side of the foot. It is a three-dimensional deformity in which the first metatarsal bone drifts out of position, rotates, and leans toward the outside of the foot. In many patients, the root cause is an unstable joint near the middle of the foot. Traditional bunion surgeries often shave the visible bump and cut and shift the bone in two dimensions, which can leave that instability uncorrected and allow the bunion to return.
Lapiplasty takes a different approach. The procedure realigns the entire metatarsal bone in all three dimensions, correcting the rotation that causes the bunion to form, and then secures the unstable joint with specialized titanium plates. By treating the root of the problem, Lapiplasty achieves a more complete, durable correction and significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence, one of the most common frustrations with older bunion procedures.
Who Is a Candidate for Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe bunions, painful joint instability, or bunions that returned after a previous surgery. Patients with mild bunions may first benefit from wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Bunions often contribute to hammertoes and pain in the ball of the foot similar to neuromas, and these problems can often be addressed during the same surgery.
Benefits of Lapiplasty
- Corrects the root cause of the bunion in three dimensions
- Lower risk of bunion recurrence
- Rapid return to weight-bearing in a surgical boot in most cases
- Faster recovery than many traditional techniques
- A more natural foot shape and greater footwear options
Ideal for Patients with
- Moderate to severe bunions
- Painful joint instability
- Recurrent bunions after previous surgery
Expert Bunion Surgeons in Houston
At Foot Specialists of Memorial, our surgeons are residency trained in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery and have extensive experience with the Lapiplasty technique. We take the time to evaluate whether Lapiplasty is right for you, explain each step of the procedure, and guide you through recovery. View real patient results in our before and after gallery, or explore our other podiatry services.
Understanding the 3D Bunion Deformity
Most bunions involve a metatarsal bone that has shifted out of place in three directions: it leans outward, rises upward, and rotates. Because traditional 2D procedures may not address all three, the bunion can come back over time. Lapiplasty is designed to correct every plane of the deformity for a more complete result.
How the Lapiplasty Procedure Works
During Lapiplasty, your surgeon uses specialized instruments to rotate the metatarsal bone back into its natural position and realign it in all three dimensions. Precise cuts prepare the unstable joint so it can heal as one solid, stable unit, eliminating the root cause of the drift.
Stable Fixation for a Faster Return to Activity
Once the bone is corrected, the joint is secured with low-profile titanium plates. This strong fixation is what allows many patients to bear weight in a surgical boot relatively soon after surgery, then gradually transition back to regular shoes and activities as healing progresses.
Learn More About Lapiplasty
Want to dig deeper before your consultation? Click the images to visit the official Lapiplasty patient website or download the patient brochure, which explain the procedure, recovery, and what to expect. Then bring your questions to our surgeons so we can create a plan tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lapiplasty
What is Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is a 3D bunion correction procedure that realigns the entire metatarsal bone and stabilizes the unstable joint at the base of the big toe, correcting the root cause of the bunion.
How is Lapiplasty different from traditional bunion surgery?
Traditional surgery often shaves the bump and shifts the bone in two dimensions. Lapiplasty corrects the deformity in all three dimensions and secures the joint with titanium plates.
How soon can I walk after Lapiplasty?
Many patients can bear weight in a surgical boot relatively soon after surgery. Your surgeon will provide a timeline based on your case.
Who is a good candidate for Lapiplasty?
Patients with moderate to severe bunions, painful joint instability, or bunions that returned after previous surgery are often good candidates.
Does Lapiplasty reduce the chance of my bunion coming back?
Yes. By correcting the rotational instability that causes bunions, Lapiplasty lowers the risk of recurrence compared with many traditional procedures.
How long is recovery after Lapiplasty?
Recovery varies, but most patients progress over several weeks from a surgical boot to regular footwear, with full activity returning gradually.
Will Lapiplasty improve the appearance of my foot?
Yes. Realigning the bone restores a more natural foot shape, which often makes shoes more comfortable.
Find Out If Lapiplasty Is Right for You
Schedule a bunion consultation with our Houston foot surgeons. Call our Gessner office at (713) 464-3775 or our Greenhouse office at (281) 371-3338, or request an appointment online.