A recent study published in the May 2019 issue of The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery (“Progression of Healing on Serial Radiographs Following First Ray Arthrodesis in the Foot Using a Biplanar Plating Technique Without Compression”) provided new outcomes data for biplanar plating fixation during Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction. The researchers found that this approach resulted in high fusion rates even when patients began weightbearing earlier.
The study investigators followed 195 patients who had been treated with either a fusion of the tarsometatarsal joint or fusions of the great toe with biplanar plating fixation for a follow up of almost 10 months. Of these patients, 19.5% had comorbidities that have been proven to slow bone healing like diabetes and smoking. Weightbearing began about 5 days post-surgery.
According to the data collected. 97.4% of the patients experienced a successful fusion of the joint and for 98.9%, stability of the joint remained solid throughout the study.
Paul Dayton, DPM of the Midwest Bunion Center in Des Moines, Iowa, who was the lead author of the study, said, “This study demonstrated positive bone healing rates over progressive timepoints when utilizing biplanar plating without a cross-joint compression screw in procedures used to treat bunions or arthritis of the big toe joint. The bone healing rates were quite encouraging given this unique fixation approach allowed patients to undergo an accelerated recovery protocol and to initiate weightbearing in a post-operative boot within their week of surgery.”
He added that the “implant removal rate was a very low 3.1% compared with conventional plate implants where published removal rates can be upwards of 17% for tarsometatarsal and 20% for MTP [metatarsophalangeal] joint fusion procedures.”
Dayton told OTW that despite some patients having slower than expected healing and one patient experiencing a broken plate, overall the biplanar fixation allowed for quicker recovery, and better stability. The patients were able to walk in a boot a lot sooner than they could with standard care bunion surgery.
He noted that the 3D correction was not recommend for patients with arthritis of the big toe joint.
John T. Treace, CEO of Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. also said, “The rapid time to weightbearing, high rate of bone healing, and low implant removal rate reported in this study further highlight the patient benefits of biplanar plating—the fixation method used in the Lapiplasty Procedure.”
The Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction Procedure is designed to surgically treat hallux valgus, a common deformity of the foot. According to Treace Medical, about 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from bunions.
Treace Medical is a private medical device company headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Their Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Corrections treats bunions by correcting all three planes of the deformity.
After reading this article I know for a fact that it is my duty as a patient who has undergo the lapiplasty procedure to tell people that it is in fact one of the worst decisions a person can make. I did not choose this procedure, the doctor basically did it without actually telling me how the procedure would be done and now am suffering the consequences of my lack of knowledge 11 months post surgery. I now have developed Osteoarthritis due to this midfoot fusion that I had no idea would happen. I lost the ability to plantar flex my joint and have limited dorsiflexion. There was a time when I ran 6-5 miles twice to three times a week. This lapiplasty BS is a scam and the percentage of success are lies. The biomechanics of a person’s foot will determine it’s natural shape, fusing the midfoot is not the answer.
I would agree. I am still having problems 9 months post op, and now seeking hardware removal.
First of all, thank you for your note. I am considering surgery to fix my bunion and was wondering about the impacts of fusing the midfoot joint using a Lapidus procedure. I want to continue running and hiking but cannot now due to my bunion. If you were to do it over again, what procedures would you consider? Thank you.
I am having much improvement from silicon toe spacers while walking in zero drop shoes. The toe spacers are a must and worn inside the shoes with super wide toe box have allowed me to go on long walks where as before, I could hardly go three blocks in intense pain. I recommend wearing the toe spacers when trying on shoes. You will need to look for a specialty running store in your area or perhaps REI to get a good fit.
Same boat here. The failure rate for this surgery is much higher than they are reporting. I agree it’s a scam. I am contemplating contacting the media to warn others as well.
I totally agree with trying zero drop trail and running shoes. I discovered the Altra line at REI and they have been life changing. The Lone Peak comes in 2E. I have gone from constant pain from Achilles tendonitis, big toe arthritis on one foot and bunion on the other. I now have zero pain. I also use the spacers occasionally or a 1” strip of kitchen sponge folded in half. Works great!
I am wondering about the transparency and honesty of the failure rates of Lapiplasty. I had a procedure in November 2021. Yesterday, which was six months later I had my hardware removed. Post Lapiplasty my foot became irritated, swelled and with more time I felt more discomfort. I am hopeful that having the hardware removed will resolve these issues. Per my surgeon, my foot is perfectly aligned and my new bone growth is excellent. Now time will tell however I know two other people that had the same procedure and continue to feel that hardware and discomfort in their foot. Had I’ve been told to expect two surgeries I would have declined this procedure. I understand that there are risks but I think this is adverse event is more common than being published.
Okay, it has been over 2 years since your removal….i wish emails were published. Mine is spottedqh@yahoo.com if anyone has anything to add as I don’t now if I will remember where to come back and look for replies. I was thinking this morning if I should ask to have the plate removed. That is what brought me here to this site. Hoping to find an answer. I’m in pain….and I have a feeling it is not going away…6 weeks post op.
Annie
Does anyone know of a successful Lapiplasty, as reported here?
wow, idk how/when i found this site, but i’m perhaps a rare (?) happy case?
i am annoyed that they pretend ppl can keep the hardware in without issue, i hate it & am getting it out in a few weeks. had my L foot done in summer ’22, quite happy. having R foot done in a few weeks. 1st doc is in maine but i won’t go back to him despite not having major complaints. happily doing 2nd one in boston. i’m a very active athletic 50-something woman, who believed intuitively that the procedure is 110% wiser than the butchery that’s gone on for eons cutting the bottoms of big toes off. i am thrilled to have 1 normal-looking and functioning foot. both my aunts on either side of family had traditional surgery in their 70s and one can barely walk. I knew I had to do it now vs. wait.
sorry about all the probs all are having,, i’m quite satisfied. wishing you good health.
update since looks like i can’t edit prior comment:
i’ll add that yes the recovery sounds like a dream but no,, i’ve just read thru tons more of these threads and yes i had bad swelling, pain, etc.,, but was able to get it to heal, can’t wait to get plate out.
i should add that i’m very into herbal and natural remedies in all areas,, and have used 4 or 5 salves and treatments regularly on the foot which it sounds like may have made all the difference?, other than perhaps the variability in success rate of our docs. can’t we rate docs in here?, wouldn’t that make sense? I researched intensely to pick mine. i think he lied about how many procedures he’d done. website listed 500+. i wouldn’t go to anyone who’s only done 50 or 100, my 2nd guy has I think at least 250+.
i think we need over a year to expect the foot to approach the ‘normal’ status,, mine is very good, i’m at ~18 mos., but it still ain’t perfect for sure. i’d still do it again tho (and am) bc my prior status was hobbled and not sustainable, kept worsening. so all in all i’m happy but yes they exaggerate the magic of it all, !
Thank you so much for writing this honest review. I have been spared the agony of a bad decision. God bless you and hopefully your healing is going well.
I am 9.5 weeks post Lapiplasty and am regretting it. My surgeon was and is great. He did this procedure, exactly how it is supposed to, it is in perfect alignment. However, I am having a lot of swelling and discomfort. I pray things improve. I agree that the success rate is inflated
DB
Sadly, I have to join the chorus of patients who had a bad outcome from this 3-D procedure. I had severe swelling post-surgery for at least 3 months and the pain was an 11 on a scale of 10. After hobbling around for a year I went to a new doctor and had to have extensive reconstructive surgery.
I am also questioning all these glowing reports online.
I am wondering if there are enough of us for a class action suit against the manufacturer?
Hard to tell if it is a lack of proper training from the manufacturer or lack of skill by our surgeons.
I had a great surgeon and it is exactly the way this procedure is supposed to turn out. However, I think the hardware is the sucky part. Sometimes I get a sudden nerve pain. I did write the company and told them what I thought of the hardware, they said I had to talk to my surgeon. It isn’t my surgeon that’s the problem because he did it perfectly and it turned out how the procedure is supposed to. I’m three months postop and yeah I have to take NSAIDs to get the swelling down.
Thanks agree!!! Total failure on my end. Nerve damage, intense pain and Drs just gas light you. I researched this procedure for a year and thought I had the best Dr.
Now 6months of 11 scale pain . I think we were all lied to about the outcome.
Hi! I had my lapiplasty surgery in January of 2021. I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews before doing this procedure. I have been in pain ever since my surgery. The top of my foot and inside of my foot where the hardware is located is where most of my pain is. I have been putting off the surgery to get my hardware out because I really don’t want to do another surgery. I can still run on it 3-4 miles a day but it becomes red and swollen and is painful to walk on afterwards yet I can’t give up my daily runs. I would not recommend lapiplasty to anyone. I would rather have a bunion then be dealing with this pain. I would love to warn others of the possible bad outcomes of this surgery.
Three months after my surgery my foot still swells and is very painful. Constant throbbing causes sleep deprivation. I wish I had never had this procedure. It’s almost fall and can’t wear any of my shoes without a lot of pain. Winter is going to be horrible! I guess I’ll have to buy larger shoes.
Wow guys thanks for your honesty it’s so sad the way they make this surgery the holy grail for bunions. But if it is let’s hear your story I’m only wondering if there is I’m doing my research still because even my foot doctor says to many complaints and it works sometimes telling me don’t do it. But I also I think he wants me as a regular. Any comments are welcomed
I had this procedure Dec. 2018. Worst decision of my life and I have had nothing but problems since. This week, I am undergoing surgery again with another surgeon to correct this mess. My second toe has an implant in it and the toe is on top of my big toe. I haven’t been able to wear shoes except flip flops even in the winter. If you are thinking of having this surgery, don’t do it is my advice. Stick to the tried and true techniques.
Had the procedure done back in jan 2021. The side affect that has been getting progressively worse is plantar fasciitis. From going to a flat foot to a more narrow one I believe the sole tissue can’t flex. I can’t run these days without having the soles of my feet flare up for 2 days. Everyday use is fine but I’ve been an athlete for 20 yrs. Luckily I don’t run as much compared to weightlifting but even when I do squats or anything that adds more weight pressure the soles of my feet it flares up for 2 days. It’s not the pain that’s a nuisance but that it lasts 2 days and it drains the energy from your body.
Stumbled upon these comments while doing research on lapiplasty complications. Had surgery one year ago and having continuing and increasing pain, numbness, difficulty walking, decreased fine motor control and coordination on the surgical foot, in addition to poor circulation raised and crossed big toe, discomfort with shoes and socks due to any constrictions. Peroneal nerve damage also occurred from improper cast placement. While recovery is up to two years, the feeling of a tourniquet wrapped around ankle and mid foot along with the sense of walking on rocks has only increased with increased mobility. I can Ben the foot and walk on it but don’t ask me to do anything complicated or for any extended period of time as pain and swelling increases. Have sought many second opinions and have encountered no one encouraging removal of the hardware. I also fear their reluctance to become involved in possible med mal suit. As I have exhausted all other resources will begin pursuit of having hardware removed and hope that my foot doesn’t completely collapse or encounter further nerve damage.
WORST SURGERY EVER!
I had the Lapiplasty surgery done in August 2021. The healing time was longer than anticipated and my bunion is back worse than it was prior to the surgery. My doctor tells me there is a new procedure to pin the bones so they don’t move but I’m not sure I want to go through that again. I now have numbness in my big toe, have not been able to walk normally so now I also have hip pain that was never there before and because of the failure of the surgery, I also have a hammertoe. One surgery was difficult enough, and what if this fails also? If I had known, then what I know now I would never have agreed to this surgery. They made it seem like it was the most amazing thing around and everything published was positive but the end result was not. I would not recommend this for anyone.
I am exactly 12 weeks out from surgery. The time when they claim you can return to your normal activities and wear any kind of shoes you’d like. That is an absolute lie, I cannot wear anything other than one pair of Hoka running shoes, and I certainly cannot return to my normal activities. I limp most days, my toes are numb, walking any distance longer than a hundred years causes my foot to swell and hurt like it did the day after surgery. Going barefoot, even just in the house, is out of the question, it makes my foot feel like I am walking on rocks. My big toe is totally inflexible, all of the tendons and ligaments in my foot feel like a very tight rubber band that is about to snap any minute. I cannot stand having the weight of a blanket on my foot and anything even brushing against the skin on the surgical foot feels like it’s being scorched.
The surgeon says it will still improve with time, but it would have to make some MAJOR improvements for me to ever consider having the other foot done.
I could have written this!! 5.5 months and still cannot have a sheet or anything you h it. Wearing socks is the only way I can handle it. Nerve damage…
I am afraid this was a very bad decision even though I researched this procedure for a long . I am in so much pain for so long and I am sure my family is sick of hearing it. How do you explain nerve damage pain? I a so sorry you and all the others on this blog are hurting. I hope it is not forever..I was supposed to enjoy retirement and travel —guess I can make that off the bucket list.
I had a severe bunion and had lapiplasty surgery Nov 9th and it is now March 9th and it has been all good except I been walking in shoes now fo 8 weeks woth little discomfort but a week ago I was forcing myself to try and walk faster because I am walking very slow and now I am having joint pain wanted to know if there is any one else experiencing this?I have a bunion on my right foot that I am going to be having surgery on March 17 I had bunion surgery 20yrs ago and it is back and sever well now rhat I have one fixed the right foot is flat so I am now walking different and have ankle pain as well
I had lapiplasty surgery on my right foot November 2021. Worst decision I every made. Don’t do it. I just had the hardware removed and scar tissue around it removed on 2/21/23, but surgeons want you to wait a whole year before they’ll do it. I knew almost immediately after that procedure my foot wasn’t going to adapt to that hardware. I waited 16 months and didn’t go to the same surgeon. I’m trying not to remember his name. He didn’t give me any other options but this type of surgery. I asked him how long it would take to heal….he said each time, 5 weeks. I thought, well, I guess I can take 5 weeks out of my life….I’m very active and athletic. Wow, guess he meant just the bone part and forgot to tell me the up to a year part. My physical therapists had to give me the real scoop. Well, my foot actually continued to get worse over time with all the swelling and my surgical foot was an inch wider than my other foot around the incision. I’ve not been able to wear my regular shoes now for 15 months. Been in only open toe sandals and athletic shoes. Now healing with my “removal of hardware” surgery and have a different surgeon. It’s a much shorter healing time (about 3 months vs. over a year or never) but my bone is still now fused from the original surgery and I hope and pray the width of my foot now goes back to normal. This has taken way too much time out of my life, all this healing time. Had I known so many people have issues, instead of reading over 97% of people are fine with it, I NEVER would have had this surgery. I trusted and believed my doctor had my best interest at heart. I should have gotten at least two other opinions — that’s what I learned….the hard way. Good luck to all of you out there. If you are considering doing this surgery, DON’T. Go with the tried and true where your bone isn’t fused. Not necessary.
Thank you for providing feedback on Lapiplasty. My podiatrist highly recommends the procedure for my recurring bunion. I went for a second opinion by an orthopedic doctor who specializes in feet and ankle issues. He recommends MIS bunion surgery to address the issue. I think I’m leaning toward the latter after reading the reviews on Lapiplasty.
Thank you for all your honest comments! I came here seeking info in making my decision on getting Lapiplasty. I was given nothing but rave reviews and wanted to hear “real” people talking. I am a 30-year nurse and I know that nothing new is all that great for everyone out there. I am getting ready to retire and I do NOT need long, ongoing, painful issues from what should be a quick fix. Thanks for the info!
I am just thinking that all Bunion Procedures have significant post op issues. I have never seen a post op patient review that was positive on any of the available surgical technique.
I am one month removed from MIS bunion surgery – not Lapidus. I am a post-operative patient with a positive review so far. I had general anesthesia for the procedure and when I awakened I was in a lot of pain. They gave me pain medication in my IV and that calmed it. I took the prescription pain medications as scheduled and the pain was very tolerable.
I used crutches (non-weight bearing) for one week. After seven days, the x-rays were “great” and I was put into the walking boot. No problem. My foot felt a little weak at first from not using it, but within a few minutes of walking in the boot, there were no issues. I did have to sleep in it, but this was so much better than being on crutches.
After another week, my stitches were removed and I was told that I could sleep without the boot. Today, I will be transitioning into sneakers for a couple hours at a time to see how it goes.
After reading all these poor outcomes from Lapiplasty, I am so glad my surgeon did not do that procedure. In fact, she says she doesn’t recommend that procedure for any of her patients. She felt the bone fusion was unnecessary, especially in my case.
I’ve had a good experience (again – so far). Maybe I’m just lucky.
I had Lapiplasty Feb 3, 2023 by a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon. It’s only 3 months post surgery but swelling and pain never go away. The pin in my big toe has made it numb at best and painful beyond belief trying to bend, which is a key to walking. I’ve been thru two sessions of Physical Therapy. My plate area has extreme swelling and is hot to touch. I need a shoe 1 to 2 sizes larger on my Lapiplasty foot compared to my other foot. I walk very slowly compared to my pre-surgery gait. I used to walk 15,000 to 18,000 steps a day. Now I’m lucky to get 3,500 steps. Have to take 2 Advil Dual every 6-8 hours every day to control pain so it’s not excruciating. Can’t sleep thru the night without taking Advil Dual due to pain. I really wish I’d never had this done. My ortho says he can remove the plate after 1 year. I’m counting the days. If you are considering the procedure you better make sure you can tolerate a lot of pain. I don’t think I’ve had 5 minutes of pain free existence since my procedure.
I had my left foot done September of 22. The surgeon assured me he would be able to get a good alignment, but I could clearly see the bunion was still there and he would gaslight me and say that’s not a bunion, when clearly it was. I went to a different surgeon who said yes you the bunion was still there and now I need to have the surgery again!!! The new surgeon performed Lapiplasty on my right foot on 3/28/23 still a lot of swelling so not sure if I have a good correction????
I had this surgery in 12/2021. Every single day since, every day pain worse than pre surgery. Didn’t even have the need for a bunion correction rather needed a joint fusion done near the ankle and the big toe metatarsal.
Enter the doctor who did the first procedure. Said it’s all he does now. He did several aggressive procedures which left me with Metatarsalgia. He said the pain was the hardware which he removed in the second surgery. But didn’t address the 2 knuckles sticking out of the ball of my foot. Consulted with several other doctors and had a 3rd surgery to correct the Metatarsalgia 1/2023. Now I am in pain 24/7.
Unable to do 80+% of my past life activities. Everything in my life, home and marriage revolves around my foot. The company Treace, the doctors and the investors have had stellar results financially while all of us are disabled. My life has been ruined by this surgery.
The vast majority of comments in this thread document the negative outcomes that certain patients have experienced, and it saddens me to see that there are people who continue to suffer from the hands of incompetent surgeons. However, to remain balanced, I will briefly present a different opinion for others to consider based on my personal success with a bilateral bunion correction (i.e., first metatarsal fusion with the medial cuneiform bone via cannulated screw fixation) and a unilateral cheilectomy procedure (due to hallux rigidus), in addition to some insight for those who are considering undergoing this surgery for the first time.
Unfortunately, a lapiplasty / bunion correction surgery is not universal in terms of approach, and depending on the DPM or foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon, the outcomes of surgery widely vary on the gamut scale (e.g., bone fusion with screw fixation, plate fixation, osteotomy, re-alignment, etc.). Consequently, depending on which approach is chosen, and the competence of the surgeon’s ability to weigh in the factors of your individual anatomy and biomechanics, a one size fits all does not immediately apply. Similar to how many people are drawn into having LASIK corrective surgery for their vision, (wherein the vast majority of patients do not realize that the nerves in the cornea are severed during the procedure, causing long lasting, if not debilitating, chronic pain (corneal neuralgia / neuropathic corneal pain) and eye dryness (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) that drives some people to suicide), it follows that patients do not do their research when visiting with a foot surgeon and blindly trust that the outcomes will be perfect after surgery. Many will assume that advertised new procedures or minimally invasive approaches work better than gold standards that are properly catered to your foot’s biomechanics. Note that there are foot corrective surgical approaches, which are contraindicated to the patient’s underlying condition and expected outcomes, and so it is vital that patients do their research before hand and ask the specifics of how a correction will be performed to fix their deformities, the limitations that the surgery will present in the long-term, in addition to scrutinizing a surgeon’s approach to performing open surgery (making sure that they do not over-correct or under-correct a deviation) and knowing how they will protect your sensory and motor nerves, all the while not excising more bone than necessary to correct your underlying condition (especially for a cheilectomy procedure where some surgeons are over zealous in removing 30% or more of the metatarsal head, which can lead to instability, joint failure, and increased MTP joint pain). Blindly trusting a doctor to make your pain go away will not get the job done on its own. Simply put, you have to be your own patient advocate, and so it is vital to research the outcomes of surgical techniques via readily available online journal papers and reputable websites that compare and contrast surgical approaches and explain contraindicated or outdated approaches. Furthermore, you have to educate yourself about foot anatomy, surgical complications, and recovery protocols when choosing which surgeon will permanently transform your body for the rest of your life. After all, you are the one hiring the right surgeon to fix your foot, and so you need to interview multiple candidates in order to find the right one, all the while comparing and contrasting their approaches!
Fortunately, I was blessed that my surgeon is exceptional and was able to reconstruct both of my feet (severe pes planus, bunion deviation, and hallux rigidus) without any complications. Regarding nerve pain, my surgeon properly protected any superficial and deep nerves, and I never experienced any nerve damage or long lasting pain. On the contrary to what many people assume, after the first six weeks of initial healing (i.e., bone fusion), the extended healing process actually takes up to six months in order to experience a resolution to the edema of the lower extremities in addition to any bone aching pain sensation. Due to the biomechanics of the foot having to endure the weight of the entire body, in addition to the vasculature and lymphatic vessel drainage and absorption, it is important to realize that the bones in the feet do not heal in the same time frame that other anatomic regions would typically heal. Before surgery, my ability to walk was very limited and I had extreme pain in my MTP joints and plantar region under the arches. Now, I no longer have any pain when I walk, bend, and exercise, and I feel better than at any point in my life before my connective tissue disorder took over my ability to ambulate.
DK, Actually, you come across as condescending to the people who have not had good outcomes. If I were the surgeons and Treace, I would be very concerned about these comments. You don’t know how much research a person did or how many doctors they went to see. Sounds like you’re blaming the patients. How is it it’s their fault the surgeons don’t provide full disclosure and to them it’s just another day at the office? They do a 2-3 hour surgery and their patients are living the rest of their lives with mistakes? Seriously? Just because you had a good outcome doesn’t make you “the only one” who did all the research, learned all the medical foot terminology, etc. Maybe you’re retired and have all the time in the world……maybe not. Maybe your a foot surgeon and you made up this story so people reading these reviews think we just had bad surgeons and the surgery itself is really great? Again, seriously? You sound educated….this surgery has too many risks. It’s only a matter of time before surgeons stop doing it.
Thank you for saying this. I did months of research before my surgery, and D. K. comes across as belittling and almost cruel to those who suffered despite doing everything right. There are thousands of ways to say you were one of the lucky ones without condescending to those who weren’t so fortunate.
Love this! Thank you for standing up for the rest of us.
In summary, my honest opinion is “Lapiplasty” is a Scam, Big swindle invented and direct consumer marketed to create aggressive costly billing for your insurance carrier , mine being Medicare. My board certified Orthopedic surgeon few consultations only spoke of Lapiplasty, as if it’s the ONLY worthwhile fix, he implied it will be permanent, and bunion not returning as in other traditional surgery will always fail. I basically had no choice, he was performing Lapiplasty, Only option he discussed. no choices reciting 97% success rate. I trusted and believed him. Also want to mention, I have severe osteoporosis women past mid 60’s as existing condition. He was aware of this. May 9 2023 had Lapiplasty. The very first xray, performed moments after surgery showed the alignment correction although not perfect. I was stationary in bed, with foot elevated in gauze dressing, and wrapped with cotton bandage, within about 7 days I noticed the extreme bunion deformity protruding, exactly as my other foot as I compared side by side. Horrified to see the bunion again. I knew this awful surgery was a complete failure. In panic I called the doctor, he discounted my concern, said wait till swelling reduced and see ten days post op. When the bandages and stiches were removed on the tenth day, I could clearly see the same bunion. Doctor gaslights me, as if I’m imagining seeing it. Waiting another month for the next appt. the xray clearly shows the bunion alignment worsened to original deformity. , I told him do not gaslight me, this is a TOTAL FAILURE. He blames me as if I intentionally walked or put pressure on the foot to ruin the surgery. This did not happen. I wore the post surgical shoe 24/7, even used wheel chair but the failure occurred before my first appt. Further research I discovered a class action suit is being investigated for the shareholders against the medical device company for violations of security law. Losses due to deceptive marketing, false and misleading Statements pertinent to investors. Now its over 3 months Post op my metatarsal bone cut and removed a section about thickness of two nickels. Grafts bone from my side heel, and this process in not fusing, Called a NON Union. In tiny print on Lapiplasty site states not recommended for “quality of bone issues”, that means osteoporosis. and majority of older patients. I am suffering with the damage, insulting outrage, can’t hike, still wearing ugly expensive purhased out of pocket Post Op shoes I had to buy so both rigid soles are even. The clumsy walking boot unevenness was causing my hip to hurt as being unbalanced causes other joint damage. This is a nightmare I can’t wake up from .I am only 123 lbs., 5’5″ in perfect health, and experiencing being disabled, needing a wheel chair service at the airport for my trip, unable to be normal, walk normal, have social activities. Recently I got the ultrasound, bone stimulating device using about a month. I don’t have confidence in this as it states not working for bone quality issues. Overall, Lapiplasty is lying to consumers, doctors push this as the billing to Medicare is $22, 052.00 plus the surgical suite, and many other charges. Swindled and scammed completely failed and worse damage then prior to surgery by negligently cutting and removing osteoporosis bone, that is not fusing is my future. The metal plate is causing a huge deformed bump on top of my foot, red and swollen, my foot is irritated, I want this removed, but have to wait another year for healing, and have to go through another painful surgery. This damage to patients is criminal malfeasance. I asked this Doctor for other patients my age to show me a success, he could not find one! but a younger women by 20 years, that’s it!
I had my first lapiplasty procedure September 2022. Was very excited to be on my feet in a boot after surgery.
After following all the post op advice, I was cleared to wear shoes and return to normal activity. Soon after I noticed continued swelling and redness on the top of my foot. The surgeon initially told me the fusion was complete and all good. I contacted the surgeon and was advised to “get some PT”. I continued to struggle, not being able to even walk on the beach during vacation. I eventually was approved for an MRI and learned that the fusion was incomplete and that 2 screws had broken and the hardware had failed. The surgeon said I would need revision surgery to do it again, including a bone graft. I told him I would seek a 2nd opinion. I found another surgeon 4.5 hours away, that confirmed the findings, but this surgeon was much more experienced so I had the procedure done. After 3 weeks non weight bearing, and then 3 weeks with crutches and a boot, I spent the next 6 weeks just the boot. I was cleared to go to shoes this past week and so far so good. Some swelling and a bit of discomfort still but remaining hopeful this will subside. I did everything right the first time I thought, but the 2nd time I really stayed off the foot as much as I could, due to the bone graft and making sure the fusion was complete. Time will tell, but I will not get my other foot done with any procedure, not worth losing a year of mobility, I can deal with minor, occasional pain and discomfort at this point!
I too will join the chorus of don’t do it. I am young with a family history of bad bunions. This was sold to me as something that would save me a future of bunion issues and could only be done while I was younger with no arthritis. It was a worse decision than my ex husband. Everything takes longer than they say. The pain is worse than the bunion it fixed ever was. I have had root canals without any numbing or gas, and I would do those again in a heartbeat before I’d ever do this again. The possible complications were either not mentioned or glossed over. The pain was referenced as temporary and minor since the first week I was supposed to be numb from the knee down. I was not numb. I was in pain from the moment I woke up. My foot is wonderfully straight, but the recovery is hell, the cam boot /walking boot was it’s own special torture, and months out I still have shooting nerve pain, numbness, and terrible swelling. I walk like Igor from the Frankenstein movies despite doing everything I was told, and an unreasonable amount of physical therapy. Oh, and something else they don’t tell you, is that your feet might change size. Imagine my surprise when I could finally wear normal shoes and none of my old ones fit. My foot was too long.
I also say NO! I am 7 months post op. It is still red occasionally, stiff, hot, and uncomfortable. It took months for the blood flow to the area to come back to somewhat normal. I can live with it but thought it would be back to normal by now. I walk a lot, and do toe exercises that PT suggested. The PT therapist said it would break up the scar tissue and it could take months to heal. A month ago, at my last visit, the doctor said I had arthritis in the big toe. Didn’t tell me before, or I may not have done it. I also believe the doctors are misleading people when they say occasional swelling, but you will be able to walk soon, etc. They don’t say it will hurt when you walk. My doctor may have been a good surgeon, but never told me early on what to do to avoid stiffness and deep scar tissue. Maybe it could have been avoided, if he was proactive with exercises, etc. They have a great marketing campaign. Not necessarily completely truthful results for everyone. I am going to ask my family physician for a referral to a dermatologist to see if they can help. Maybe have an ultrasound, etc. I read steroid shots will break up the deep scar tissue. Very disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Wow. I feel like I’ve dodged a bullet. Thank you everyone for your reviews. I have pain but I don’t want to add to it or make it worse. Thank you all!
Thank all of you for sharing your experiences. I am so sorry to hear of the painful struggles and challenges you have had to endure and still 🙁 . I believe we live in different times where Doctors and Surgeons don’t truly have our best interest at heart, more so their pockets! I am busy researching and also blessed to have dodged a bullet re lapiplasty procedure. Thank you Thank you Thank you 🙏🙏🙏I’m a single 56 years old woman and very active working for myself so being practical & hands on is my bread n butter. I have come across some interesting further info whilst researching, would like to share with y’all. (shared below). I am undecided what to do. My bunion is not severe, still tolerable at this stage but also don’t want to wait till I’m older (it’s about having covered insurance v’s financial affordability to pay out of pocket excess vs recovery time off) all we have to prep for. I wear a big toe shifter and strap with stent for a few hours whilst at home & do a few exercises found on you tube. I’m hesitant going forward till I feel confident in identifying the right surgeon/podiatrist & appropriate surgical procedure. May God bless you all for speaking out against this procedure Lapiplasty.
Interesting article here with various Claims justifying cause of Bunion formations.
https://richiebrace.com/is-the-public-being-told-the-truth-about-new-bunionectomy-procedures.html
Seven months post lapiplasty and felt a screw protruding in my foot today. Chalked all pain in this area on down the bone as just being a baby based on everything I was told and read up to the procedure. I was very active prior and have done little since postop. Thanks for your feedback and now making appt with my surgeon to look into the problem. I’m so upset I did this to myself regardless if stress fractures I was enduring previously!!!
I agree that its a scam, lapiplasty is highly overrated, and the hardware is flimsy and defective. When I researched for lapiplasty , mostly found positive reviews and reduced healing time. After researching for procedures and going to 4 podiatrists in 4 years decided to go for lapiplasty, which was done on 1st Dec 2023. Worst decision of my life. Approximately 10 weeks after surgery, when I was wearing my shoes heard something snap/crack in my foot accompanied with sharp pain. Went for follow up appointment about 10 days later, and found that a screw used for fusion had broken. There was non union of bones and fleck sign on x-ray. I had followed all precautions but still this happened. Its now 12 weeks post op and I am back in CAM boot. The surgeon suggested revision surgery or bone stimulator. I opted in for bone stimulator for now, hoping that I won’t have to go for this surgery again
Lapiplasty 8/22. Lots of research, traveled to another town for more experienced surgeon. Told the surgeon I was feeling a lot of pain in the second toe before the surgery and would he please make sure it was stable also. After surgery second toe hurt worse than before and started to move over large toe. Had hammertoe surgery by a new surgeon 12/23 and I am now scheduled for hardware removal at lapiplasty site due to continued pain, redness and now there is a loose part of the hardware on the top of my foot. Second surgeon is great and does not speak highly of lapiplasty. Fixing the second toe helped with the pain but made it where I could feel the pain from the lapiplasty and now it’s broke! I think it was unstable and when I became more mobile after the last surgery it did not hold up. Would never do it again.