Lapiplasty® - 3D Bunion Correction
Lapiplasty Bunion Correction for ages 13-21
What is Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty® is an advanced 3D bunion correction surgery. Traditional bunion surgery can fail because it doesn’t address the underlying 3-dimensional foot misalignment.
Dr. Jarman now offers 3D Bunion Correction, an advanced procedure recently approved for ages 13 and up after growth plate closure.
How Lapiplasty Works
Lapiplasty isn’t just shaving down the bump – it rotates the entire metatarsal bone back into natural alignment and secures it in place with patented titanium plating. This comprehensive approach fixes the root cause of bunions, providing more reliable long-term results compared to traditional surgery techniques.
Patients are able to bear weight and walk in a boot within days after Lapiplasty rather than being non-weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks like other bunion procedures require. Quicker recovery means quicker return to normal life activities.
- Rotates the metatarsal bone back into correct 3D alignment and secures it with titanium plates and screws
- Provides lasting stability by addressing the anatomical root cause – not just shaving the bunion down
- Enables early weight bearing within days by stabilizing the joint, unlike traditional surgery
- Fixation technology allows patients to transition to a boot and shoes weeks earlier
- Significantly shorter recovery time – back to normal shoes by 6 weeks vs 3 months with other procedures
- Precision technique reduces recurrence rates compared to traditional approaches
- Utilizes smaller incisions driving great cosmetic results
Before Lapiplasty
A common misconception is that a bunion is simply an overgrowth of bone that can be “shaved off”. However, bunions are complex, 3D deformities caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot that allows your bone to drift out of alignment.
After Lapiplasty
Advanced surgical technology returns your entire bone to normal 3D alignment and the unstable joint is secured with patented, titanium plates to get back on your feet in < 2 weeks (in a walking boot).
Signs Your Child May Need Lapiplasty
Bunions in kids and teens often get dismissed as something they will just “grow out of.” But bunions that cause chronic pain and limit activities require proper treatment.
Consider Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction if your child has:
- A large, bony bunion bump that rubs on shoes
- Redness, inflammation, or callus around the big toe joint
- Toe drifting towards the second toe, overlapping toes
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
- Discomfort walking long distances or playing sports
- Altered gait from avoiding pressure on the painful bunion
Bunions won’t improve over time without treatment. And traditional surgery techniques often fail in younger patients since they continue bone growth. The stability from Lapiplasty can prevent worsening bunions.
If those signs sound familiar, don’t delay – call our office to schedule an exam. Getting your child’s bunions fixed properly earlier on can prevent a lifetime of foot troubles.
The Benefits of Lapiplasthy
- Lasting 3D Correction
- Earlier Return to Normal Life
- Lower Recurrence Rates
- Minimal Scarring
- Resume Activities Sooner
Unlike other bunion surgeries, Lapiplasty provides complete 3D correction of the root anatomical cause of bunions. By rotating the metatarsal bone back into place and securing it with titanium plates, the realigned position is maintained long-term.
Teens also recover much faster with Lapiplasty, able to bear weight in a boot within days versus being non-weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks with traditional surgery. That leads to a quicker transition back to normal shoes and life activities – usually within 6 weeks. Additionally, the stability from Lapiplasty significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence over time compared to other surgical approaches.
Lapiplasty Before and After
What to Expect After Lapiplasty
While recovery varies for each patient, here is the typical timeline:
First Week: Your child will be in a bandage and splint and instructed to keep weight off the foot when standing or walking. Swelling and discomfort peaks during this time. Pain medication is provided to keep surgical pain well-controlled.
Weeks 2-6: At the 2-week mark, a protective boot replaces the splint which allows gentle weight-bearing. Teens use crutches for balance over the next few weeks. Around 6 weeks, they can transition to normal shoes like sneakers as long as still swelling-free.
Weeks 6-12:
In the follow-up period, activity increases as the tibia and fibula fully mend. Most non high-impact interests, light sports, and physical education classes may be resumed by 3 months after surgery.
Full Recovery:
Complete healing of deeper tissues occurs between 6-12 months post-op. During the second half of the first year, any lingering discomfort should resolve and rigorous pivoting sports can be played again without concern.
With the stability of Lapiplasty’s anatomic repair, most of normal life is restored rapidly. Still, the move to high intensity athletics is gradual to ensure pediatric patients enjoy lifelong relief from their bunions.
Why Dr. Jarman Recommends Lapiplasty for Teens
- Faster healing and recovery than adults
- Early intervention prevents worsening over time and permanent changes
- Low recurrence rates ensure excellent long-term results
- Permanent solutions mean a lifetime without bunion pain
Performing bunion surgery early on in adolescent years comes with many benefits over waiting until adulthood when joint arthritis may have already set in.
As children heal remarkably faster after surgery, they can bounce back to regular activities quicker. Rather than missing out during formative years, Lapiplasty enables teens to keep up with peers and not pause important childhood development.
For all these reasons, Dr. Jarman recommends that parents explore the Lapiplasty option if their son or daughter exhibits bunion signs and symptoms. Investing in correcting bunions earlier leads to better quality of life now and healthier feet for years to come.
Dr. Jarman's ABFAS Certification
Dr. Mikkel Jarman, DPM, FACFAS, has received his Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle (RRA) Surgery board certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). This certification symbolizes the highest level of expertise that can be achieved in the foot and ankle profession, reflecting advanced proficiency and knowledge.
Pediatric Lapiplasty FAQ's
Most teens transition to a boot at 2 weeks, normal shoes by 6 weeks, and are cleared for sports around 12 weeks post-op.
Yes, you will use crutches for balance the first 1-2 weeks after surgery while wearing the boot.
Yes, Lapiplasty can be used to revise bunions that have recurred after other surgical treatments.
Discomfort lessens daily after the first week. Pain medication manages any surgical pain during the recovery process.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can be resumed by 12 weeks. Higher impact sports may require 4-6 months.
Yes, correcting joint alignment and preventing bunion reoccurrence reduces abnormal wear and tear that causes arthritis.
Most providers cover Lapiplasty, but specific policies should be verified. Finance options are available.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
