Advances in surgical techniques have improved the results of the Lapidus bunionectomy in recent years. As a result, the popularity of this procedure has increased significantly over that time. The Lapidus bunionectomy has the ability to correct larger-sized bunion deformities and to stabilize bunions that have significant flexibility or instability.
Like the Austin procedure, the Lapidus bunionectomy is performed as an outpatient surgery, and IV sedation, or “twilight sleep,” is used for anesthesia. During the surgery, a local numbing medicine similar to Novocain is placed in the foot to help keep patients comfortable. An incision is placed over the big toe joint, and two bone cuts are performed at the base of the bunion deformity (technically at the 1st metatarsal-cuneiform joint). These bone cuts allow for greater realignment of larger bunion deformities than the Austin bunionectomy . The bone cuts are typically stabilized with 2 screws, although some surgeons prefer to use a small titanium plate. These screws are not usually removed and rarely cause any problems, nor do they set off metal detectors at the airport.
If you are suffering from a larger-sized bunion that is not ideal for other forms of surgery such as the Austin bunionectomy, the Lapidus bunionectomy could be the solution. Contact your bunion specialist to learn more .