Surgery is an ever-evolving field of medicine with plenty of new advances and discoveries. This stands for every kind of surgery, and bunion removal is no exception. So, what are the latest advances in bunion surgery that you should be aware of before scheduling this procedure with your surgeon? If you want to find out, keep reading – we’ve prepared some useful info for you.
What Are New Advances in Bunion Surgery?
When we talk about new advances in bunion surgery, the primary topic is minimally invasive surgery. This concept has been around for quite some time now, but many patients are still not familiar with its benefits. Compared to old-fashioned traditional open surgery, minimally invasive bunion surgery is way less complicated and less painful.
It offers the great benefit of a shorter recovery period, which is one of the things that patients find essential when deciding whether or not to undergo a bunion removal procedure. The incisions are smaller, and there is less trauma to the soft tissue, which means lower pain levels during recovery. Thanks to minimally invasive techniques, the field of bunion surgery has improved in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
What Are Advances in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a broad term that covers many different techniques that have the same goal – to fix the deformity with as little trauma to the tissue as possible. This brilliant approach made it possible for patients to put pressure on their operated feet even the same day after their surgery.
What’s New?
Advances in surgical techniques, such as smaller and better-positioned incisions, are accompanied by outstanding advances in technology, which allow surgeons to treat their patients better than before.
One of the great examples of how bunion surgery developed over the years is the improvement of fixation devices, which surgeons use to keep bones positioned correctly until they heal after the procedure. Even orthotics have changed, and nowadays, you don’t even need to wear a cast after bunion surgery. Also, surgical shoes have ensured that patients have a more comfortable and less complicated recovery.
Is 3D Procedure One of the Latest Advances in Bunion Surgery?
3D bunion removal surgery is one of the latest and most effective ways to correct this common foot deformity. The procedure is referred to as Lapiplasty, and it is one of the best innovations in this field in years. Lapiplasty has shortened the recovery period more than previous minimally invasive techniques, and it’s unique in the way it addresses the underlying condition that’s the cause of the bunion.
What Makes It New and Innovative?
As you can guess from the name, Lapiplasty is a procedure where the surgeon approaches the toe with a bunion from three dimensions – rotated out of alignment, elevated, and sideways. When using less innovative techniques that approach the foot in 2D, like Lapidus, the surgeon can only work in two dimensions – elevated and sideways.
This is often a problem because it doesn’t allow them to address the real issue that causes bunions, thus making it possible for bunions to reoccur in the future. The 3D method can fix the deformity better and make the change more permanent. While we still don’t have much long-term data on the procedure (since it’s relatively new), the current research suggests that Lapiplasty patients maintain the correction one year after the procedure in almost 100% of cases.
Talk to Your Surgeon About the New Procedures
If you’re curious to find out more about the newest advances in bunion surgery and the best new procedures that might be a great fit for you, be sure to reach out to an experienced surgeon. A great doctor will always be happy to explain the procedure to their patient and ensure that the patient has nothing to worry about before the surgery.
Our team at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic can help you with any foot problems – don’t hesitate to contact us to book your first free consultation. You can reach out to us by calling our office, or you can simply fill out an inquiry form on our website. We’re looking forward to having you as a patient!
FAQ
Is Lapiplasty Better Than Regular Bunion Surgery?
Lapiplasty is an excellent surgical option for bunion removal. It’s a minimally invasive technique, which means that your surgery will be an outpatient procedure, and you will be back home the same day after the procedure. The recovery will be quick and smooth, with little pain, and you will be back to your regular activities in no time.
Is Bunion Surgery Easier Now?
Thanks to recent advances in medicine and technology, bunion surgeries are way easier than they used to be. Better surgical techniques with smaller incisions allow us to avoid open surgery, which helps patients in many ways. The recovery time is shorter than before, with less pain and fewer complications. Getting back to your feet can sometimes be possible on the day of your surgery.
What Is the Best Type of Bunion Surgery?
There are many bunion surgery techniques out there, and the best type of procedure will depend on your individual case, its severity, and possible underlying medical conditions. When we compare traditional bunion surgeries to minimally invasive techniques, the second option is definitely better. Minimally invasive procedures have shorter recovery times, with lower pain levels, and pose a lesser trauma to the tissue than traditional open surgery.
Is There an Alternative to Bunion Surgery?
There is no completely efficient alternative to bunion surgery. While there are some non-surgical treatment options for bunions (such as custom-made orthotics), they can only help you keep the symptoms under control and slow down the progression of the deformity. If you want to get rid of a bunion once and for all, surgery is the way to go.
