A bunion (hallux valgus) is a progressive bony deformity where the big toe joint shifts outward, creating a visible bump. It results from an unstable metatarsal bone, not simply tight shoes. Bunions affect approximately 23% of adults and can cause significant pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and secondary problems like hammertoes. Dr. Biernacki specializes in both conservative management and advanced surgical correction including Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction.

Can bunions be corrected without surgery?

While surgery is the only way to permanently correct the structural deformity, non-surgical treatments can effectively manage pain and slow progression. Options include custom orthotics, toe spacers, wider shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, and padding. Dr. Biernacki recommends surgery only when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief.

What is Lapiplasty bunion surgery?

Lapiplasty is an advanced 3D bunion correction procedure that addresses the root cause of bunions by correcting the unstable metatarsal bone in all three dimensions. Unlike traditional bunionectomy, Lapiplasty patients can bear weight within days and has a recurrence rate under 3% compared to 12-15% for traditional procedures. Dr. Biernacki is a fellowship-trained Lapiplasty surgeon serving SE Michigan.

What is Lapiplasty bunion surgery?

Lapiplasty is a patented surgical technique that corrects bunions by rotating the unstable metatarsal bone back to its normal anatomical position in all three planes (transverse, sagittal, and frontal). It uses specialized instrumentation and titanium plates to fuse the first tarsometatarsal joint, addressing the root cause of the bunion rather than just shaving the bump.

Is Lapiplasty better than traditional bunion surgery?

Lapiplasty addresses the 3D nature of the bunion deformity and may have lower recurrence rates by correcting the unstable joint. However, it involves a joint fusion that traditional osteotomies do not, and is not appropriate for all bunion types. Traditional osteotomies (Austin, Scarf, Lapidus) have excellent track records with decades of published outcomes. The best procedure depends on your specific deformity pattern.

What is recovery like after Lapiplasty?

Lapiplasty allows earlier weight-bearing than some traditional procedures — many patients bear weight in a boot within days to weeks. Full recovery takes 3-4 months. Swelling gradually resolves over 6-12 months. Return to regular shoes typically occurs at 6-8 weeks. Physical therapy helps restore toe mobility and strength.

Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery: A Patient’s Complete Guide

Name: Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery: A Patient’s Complete Guide
Creator: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Published: 2026-03-23T13:18:28-04:00

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

What Is Lapiplasty?

Lapiplasty is a patented 3D bunion correction system developed to address the underlying cause of bunions rather than just the visible bump. Traditional bunion surgery (simple osteotomy) cuts the metatarsal bone and shifts the head — correcting the angular deformity visible on X-ray but not addressing the three-dimensional instability at the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint that caused the bunion in the first place. Lapiplasty corrects all three planes of deformity and fuses the unstable joint that allowed the bunion to form. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, our surgeons perform Lapiplasty as a primary correction for appropriate bunion candidates.

Why Traditional Bunion Surgery Has Recurrence Problems

Bunions are not simply a bony protrusion — they represent a collapse of the first ray (the first metatarsal and its articulations) in three dimensions: the metatarsal deviates outward (valgus), rotates pronated (the bottom of the first metatarsal twists inward), and is unstable at the Lisfranc joint. Traditional distal osteotomies correct the angular deformity on the X-ray but don’t address the rotational component or stabilize the hypermobile first ray — which is why bunions recur in a significant percentage of traditionally corrected patients over 5-10 years.

How Lapiplasty Works

The Lapiplasty procedure uses specialized instruments to correct the metatarsal in all three planes simultaneously, then fuses the first tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint with a titanium plate-and-screw construct. By fusing the hypermobile joint that allowed the deformity, Lapiplasty addresses the root cause of bunion formation. The result is a stable correction that cannot recur through the same mechanism.

Recovery and What to Expect

Most Lapiplasty patients begin walking in a boot within days of surgery — this early weight-bearing is one of the system’s key advantages over traditional osteotomies that require weeks of non-weight-bearing. The boot is worn for approximately 8 weeks. Transition to regular shoes occurs around 8-10 weeks. Return to athletic activity and prolonged walking typically occurs at 4-6 months. Swelling gradually resolves over 6-12 months. Surgical hardware (the titanium plate and screws) is typically permanent and does not require removal in most patients.

Who Is a Lapiplasty Candidate?

Ideal candidates for Lapiplasty have: symptomatic bunions limiting activity or footwear, documented hypermobility at the first TMT joint on clinical or X-ray assessment, and failed conservative management. Patients with rigid, arthritic first TMT joints or prior first TMT fusion are not candidates. Bilateral bunion correction is typically staged 3-6 months apart rather than simultaneously. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to determine if Lapiplasty is appropriate for your bunion correction.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

📅 Book Online
📞 (810) 206-1402

When to See a Podiatrist About Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery

Lapiplasty is a newer 3D bunion correction technique that addresses the root cause of bunions by correcting the metatarsal bone in all three dimensions. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki evaluates whether Lapiplasty, traditional bunionectomy, or minimally invasive bunion surgery is the best option for your specific bunion.

Learn About Our Bunion Surgery Options | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

Dayton P, Kauwe M, Feilmeier M. Is our current paradigm for evaluation and management of the bunion deformity flawed? A discussion of procedure philosophy relative to anatomy. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015;54(1):102-111.
Coughlin MJ, Jones CP. Hallux valgus: demographics, etiology, and radiographic assessment. Foot Ankle Int. 2007;28(7):759-777.
Ray JJ, Koay J, Fleming JJ, et al. Hallux valgus angle as a predictor of Lapiplasty patient outcomes: a retrospective study. Foot Ankle Spec. 2021;14(4):298-305.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Howell Office

3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140

Howell, MI 48843

Get Directions →

Bloomfield Hills Office

43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Get Directions →

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links to products we recommend. If you purchase through these links, Balance Foot & Ankle may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use with our patients.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.