By Dr. Paul Steinke
Bunions: A Common Yet Overlooked Issue
Bunions are a frequently encountered issue that is often disregarded by those suffering from this painful condition. Approximately 30% of women in the U.S. will experience bunions, but men are also susceptible. Bunions can affect individuals at any age, including teenagers. While many people recognize how bunions can alter the appearance of the foot, the condition can lead to more serious problems than just a visible bump on the toe.
Understanding Bunions
A bunion is a bone deformity resulting from an unstable joint in the middle of the foot, which eventually causes the big toe to shift out of alignment, creating a noticeable bump. This condition is progressive and cannot self-correct. When left untreated, it can progress to a point where conservative methods are ineffective. The impact of painful bunions can be severe, as those who lead active lifestyles may find it challenging to perform even simple tasks, such as walking through a grocery store, due to increasing discomfort.
Initial Treatment Considerations
During the first assessment and treatment in our clinic, we often suggest that patients with bunions explore conservative options, such as wider footwear, padding, and orthotic devices to alleviate pain and accommodate the deformity. If conservative treatments do not yield results or if the bunion is severe, we will discuss surgical options.
Challenges with Traditional Bunion Surgery
Most doctors perform a conventional 2-Dimension “osteotomy” surgery, where the protruding bone is cut and shifted, resulting in a curved, abnormal bone. This relieves pain but does not stabilize the root cause of the deformity. Patients often endure an extended recovery period with weeks of non-weight-bearing, and there is a high likelihood that the bunion will recur over time. Traditional 2D bunion surgery does not address the unstable joint in the middle of the foot. In fact, when I began my podiatry practice, there were over 100 surgical options for bunions, yet none were ideal.
Introducing Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™
In 2019, I started using an innovative procedure known as Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™, which has significantly improved the quality of life for my patients suffering from bunions.
Advantages of the Lapiplasty® Procedure
Unlike traditional 2D surgery, the Lapiplasty® Procedure addresses the misalignment of the great toe in three dimensions, restoring the bone to its normal anatomical alignment, something conventional bunion surgery cannot achieve.
Through the use of two small patented titanium plates, I can permanently stabilize the unstable joint in the foot, which is the primary cause of the deformity, allowing my patients to walk in a boot with crutches on the day of their surgery. Moreover, the Lapiplasty® System has shown a low recurrence rate of just 1 to 3 percent.
Real-Life Success Stories
Although the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ has only been available recently, I have already treated a diverse range of patients, aged from 14 to 74, with remarkable results when compared to previous bunion surgery options. This technique is beneficial for patients who have undergone traditional bunion surgeries previously as well as for those receiving treatment for the first time. Many athletes, concerned about their ability to compete again, manage to resume training within a few months post-procedure.
This past July, I performed the Lapiplasty® Procedure on a 50-year-old woman named Tonya from Burleson, whose job required her to be on her feet regularly. She is a mobility specialist working with visually impaired children and young adults, teaching them how to use canes, assistive technology, and public transportation. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys various activities including water sports, skiing, golfing, fishing, and dancing with her husband. After years of trying to stay active with her bunion, the pain escalated to a level that jeopardized her leisure activities and professional responsibilities.
Determined to find a suitable solution, Tonya conducted extensive research on her bunion treatment options and concluded that a 2D procedure would not meet her needs. After our discussion, she chose to proceed with the Lapiplasty® Procedure on July 20, 2020. Two months following her surgery, she was back in regular tennis shoes, walking, and biking. According to Tonya, “I was really surprised at the minimal pain I experienced after surgery and how quickly I recovered. My friends and family couldn’t believe how swiftly I was up and walking again, even in a boot, and doing my own shopping.”
Conclusion: The Reward of Restoring Active Lifestyles
The most fulfilling aspect of my role is being able to return my patients to the activities they love. In my view, the Lapiplasty® System is unmatched among available bunion correction methods for achieving this mission. Observing patients resume running marathons, participating in sports, or simply handling everyday errands without the debilitating pain caused by bunions is incredibly gratifying. I am always eager to provide Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ to my patients.
For more details about the Lapiplasty® Procedure, including surgical risks, visit www.alignmytoe.com. To contact me directly, reach out to Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, LLC at 817-416-6155 or visit www.3Dbuniondoc.com.
References
1. Nix S, et al. J Foot Ankle Res. 2010. 27:3:21.
2. Okuda R, et al. JBJS. 2007. 89:2163-72.
3. Jeuken RM, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2016. 37:687-95.
4. Ray J, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Aug;40(8):955-960.
5. Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020, 59(2): 291-297.
About Dr. Paul Steinke
Dr. Paul Steinke is board-certified by ABFAS in both Foot and Rearfoot Reconstructive Surgery and Ankle Surgery. An active individual, Dr. Steinke enjoys running, golfing, hiking, woodworking, and spending quality time with his family. His objective is to keep his patients engaged in their favorite activities without restrictions. He can be contacted at faant.com or by calling Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, LLC at 817-416-6155.
About Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
Treace Medical Concepts, Inc., located in Ponte Vedra, Florida, is the manufacturer of Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™. This company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing solutions for foot and ankle surgeons aiming to enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes while lowering healthcare expenses.
