Bunions are a widespread problem affecting 23% of adults 65 and under and up to 36% over 65. Bunions develop if the joint at the base of your big toe shifts out of alignment, putting pressure on your foot that leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes.
At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we help patients understand why bunions form and, more importantly, what long-term solutions can correct them.
While early intervention with nonsurgical treatments, such as custom orthotics, strapping, and injections, can delay its progression, only surgery can get rid of your bunion. One of the most effective surgical options is the Lapidus bunionectomy.
A bunion is more than a bump. It forms when the first metatarsal bone at the base of your big toe shifts outward while the top of your big toe drifts inward.
This misalignment causes the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint at the base of the toe to protrude, leading to friction, inflammation, and long-term discomfort.
Several factors can play a role in bunion formation:
If your parents have bunions, there’s a good chance you may develop a bunion.
Flat feet, loose joints, or abnormal walking patterns increase the risk of bunions.
Tight, pointed, or narrow shoes don’t cause bunions, but they often make symptoms worse.
Damage to the joint can alter how your foot functions.
Traditional bunion surgeries focus on correcting the visible bump, but the Lapidus bunionectomy goes a step further by treating the root cause of the deformity.
A Lapidus bunionectomy is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the TMT joint at the base of your toe. When this joint is unstable, the metatarsal tends to drift out of position, making bunions worse over time.
The Lapidus procedure works by:
This approach helps prevent bunion recurrence, giving it a significant advantage over some traditional techniques.
Because Lapidus bunionectomy targets the foundation of the deformity, it’s often a good choice for moderate to severe bunions or for patients whose bunions recur after prior procedures.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Greg Brockbank, evaluates your foot structure, range of motion, symptoms, and X-ray findings to determine whether Lapidus bunionectomy is right for you.
We typically perform the Lapidus bunionectomy as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
During surgery, we reposition the bones of your foot and secure them using screws or plates to stabilize everything as you heal. The fusion strengthens your foot’s foundation, helping prevent the bunion from returning.
You receive anesthesia to remain comfortable. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the deformity.
Recovery after a Lapidus bunionectomy varies, but here’s a general overview:
You usually keep weight off your foot while the fusion heals. A boot or cast protects the surgical area.
Depending on X-rays, you may begin gradual weight-bearing with a walking boot.
Many patients transition to supportive shoes and begin light activities.
Physical therapy can help restore strength and flexibility as you heal.
Patients who undergo this procedure often say they wish they’d done it sooner. The biggest benefits include:
When bunions disrupt your daily life, the Lapidus bunionectomy offers a proven path toward long-term relief.
Bunions can be frustrating, especially when they limit your movement or cause constant pain. If you’re wondering whether a Lapidus bunionectomy can benefit you, schedule a consultation by phone or online at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic today.
