Bunions & Hammertoes
Podiatrists, Bunion & Hammertoe Surgeons in Hackensack & Fort Lee, NJ
Bunions
Bunions are due primarily to genetic factors, but can become painful over time due to trauma, ill-fitting shoes and poor foot structure. The bone connected to the big toe starts to drift outward pushing the big toe sideways into the other toes which can also lead to painful hammertoes, corns & calluses. Untreated bunions not only can become painful, but can become progressively worse. Wider shoes, padding & custom orthotics may slow down this progression, surgery is the only way to correct the bunion deformity.
Bunion surgery is usually performed on an out-patient basis which means patients get to go home on the same day of the surgery. Many of our patients start walking on the operative foot within a few days and can return to work within a short period of time. It is our objective to get you back on your feet as soon possible.
Podiatry Foot and Ankle Institute offers
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction
Bunions are complex deformities that can be very painful. We are pleased to offer a new, patented treatment for bunion correction—Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction.
WHAT IS LAPIPLASTY® 3D BUNION CORRECTION?
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction is an advanced surgical procedure that corrects a bunion by rotating the entire deviated bone back into its normal anatomical position. This is done using specially-designed instrumentation, naturally straightening your toe and removing the “bump” and associated pain. Innovative plating technology is used to permanently secure the unstable joint. Most patients are able to walk within days of surgery. No cast is required; allowing patients to get back to the shoe wear of their choice and activities quickly
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN TERMS OF RECOVERY?
The patented titanium plating technology used with the Lapiplasty® Procedure enables patients to bear weight on their foot early. The ability to do so can dramatically improve your recovery process, allowing you to walk up to 6-8 weeks earlier than with the more traditional Lapidus approach (which was previously the only option for addressing the unstable joint).
Being able to walk in a surgical boot, as opposed to being completely non-weight bearing (in a cast with scooter or crutches) for 6-8 weeks, means that you will be getting back to a better quality of life faster; may return to most occupations more quickly; and will be less inconvenienced by bunion surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions patients commonly ask and their respective answers:
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Patients are typically walking within days of surgery. Patients can return to most occupations within days to a couple of weeks, wearing a surgical boot. Within six weeks, you can expect to be walking in comfortable shoes such as tennis shoes, however you should not plan on any high-impact activities for 3-4 months. Short shopping trips and leisurely strolls are examples of the types of activities that should be fine at this point. Around the 4-month mark post-op, you should be able to return to most activities and most shoe wear.
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The Lapiplasty® Procedure allows most patients to return to their desired shoes. Of course, some fashionable shoes can be painful (even with a normal foot!), so results can vary from person to person and shoe to shoe.
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Yes, there are no permanent activity limitations after the Lapiplasty® Procedure. Most patients are able to return to most activities after the bones have completely healed at approximately 4 months.
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Yes, the Lapiplasty® Procedure is an option that can be utilized by your doctor when a revision is required. Even if previously treated, patients can experience the same benefits from Lapiplasty® – with a permanently secured foundational joint this time around.
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“Reproducible” means that a procedure is easily repeatable with expected results. The Lapiplasty® Procedure utilizes precision, patented instrumentation designed to take the guesswork and “eyeballing” out of bunion surgery; helping ensure your surgeon can get reliable results over and over.
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Yes, Lapiplasty® surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures. If your doctor is performing any additional procedures at the same time, the surgery may take longer.
Hammertoe & Claw Toe
Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Untreated hammertoes can become inflexible & require surgery. People with hammertoe may have corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. Hammertoes may cause pain in toes or feet.
Treatment for the condition typically involves shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes and toe exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Commercially available straps, cushions or non-medicated corn pads may also relieve symptoms.
