MIS Bunion (Minimally invasive Surgery)

A Modern Approach to Treating Painful Bunions

MIS bunion surgery is a modern, less-invasive approach that uses small incisions to correct bunions. It can mean less tissue trauma and less downtime. Because the technique requires specialized skill, trust your feet to the experienced MIS surgeons at Lincoln Park Podiatry.

Bunions can make everyday activities—from walking and exercising to wearing your favorite shoes—uncomfortable. While Lapiplasty® surgery is a proven option for larger or more complex bunion deformities, what if you have a smaller bunion and want to address it before it progresses?

Maybe you're concerned about a large scar. Perhaps you live alone and need to get back on your feet quickly. Or maybe your work or family schedule simply doesn't allow for a lengthy recovery.

At Lincoln Park Podiatry, we now offer revolutionary minimally invasive bunion procedures that are changing the way we treat bunions. We have partnered with Treace Medical Concepts, the makers of Lapiplasty®, to offer TWO new minimally invasive bunion procedures designed to correct the underlying deformity through small incisions. 

While these techniques are relatively new to many doctors, Dr. Williams and Dr. Zemela have undergone specialized training and have been preparing to offer these advanced procedures for some time. This experience allows us to bring these innovative options to our patients before other practices.

What Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery uses specialized instruments and small incisions to address the underlying structural problem while minimizing disruption to the surrounding soft tissues. For appropriately selected patients, these techniques may offer several potential advantages compared with traditional open bunion surgery.

A bunion, or hallux valgus, develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes and the joint at its base becomes misaligned.

Bunion surgery is designed to correct the underlying structural deformity—not simply remove or "Shave"  the visible bump.

Minimally invasive techniques allow the surgeon to perform the necessary bone correction through small incisions, often less than 2 centimeters—approximately the size of your thumbnail. The exact procedure recommended depends on the severity and characteristics of your bunion.

Our Partnership with Treace and Lapiplasty®

At Lincoln Park Podiatry, we are proud to partner with Treace, the makers of Lapiplasty®, to bring new minimally invasive bunion correction options to our patients.  This partnership allows Dr. Williams and Dr. Zemela to offer TWO new minimally invasive procedures designed to reliably address bunion deformity through small incisions.  We are pleased to offer BOTH Nanoplasty® and Percuplasty®!

Click here to see an animation of the surgery

Your appropriate procedure will depend on your individual foot anatomy, the severity of your bunion, your activity level, and your treatment goals. During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your foot and explain which option may be best suited to you.

Potential Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Smaller Incisions

One of the most noticeable differences is the size of the surgical incisions. Incisions can be less than 2 centimeters—about the size of your thumbnail—which may result in less visible scarring compared with traditional open techniques.

Less Soft-Tissue Disruption

Because minimally invasive procedures can require less exposure of the surgical area, they may reduce disruption to the surrounding soft tissues. For some patients, this may contribute to a more comfortable recovery.

Potentially Less Postoperative Pain

Some patients experience less postoperative discomfort following minimally invasive bunion surgery. However, everyone's experience is different, and postoperative pain can depend on the procedure performed and individual factors.

Faster Early Recovery

Minimally invasive techniques may allow some patients to progress through the early stages of recovery more comfortably. Depending on the procedure and your individual circumstances, you may be able to return to certain daily activities relatively quickly.

It is important to distinguish early recovery from complete recovery. Bone healing and a return to unrestricted activities can still take several weeks or months.

Correction of the Underlying Deformity

The goal of bunion surgery isn't simply to remove the bump.

A successful procedure should address the underlying structural problem and restore appropriate alignment of the big toe joint and first metatarsal.

 

***Note how the toe is now straight and the space between the joints has been closed- effectively making the foot narrower.  This patient also did NOT need any Phycial therapy afterwards!

Improved Cosmetic Appearance

Smaller incisions can mean smaller scars. Correcting the underlying alignment of the big toe and first metatarsal can also improve the overall appearance of the foot.

This is an important part of evaluating the long-term treatment of a bunion.

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily. The best surgical approach depends on factors such as the severity of the bunion, bone alignment, joint condition, activity level, previous surgery, and overall foot structure.

A thorough evaluation—including a physical examination and appropriate imaging—is important before deciding on a procedure.

Dr. Williams or Dr. Zemela will go over all of the details with you during your consultation, including your diagnosis, treatment options, the recommended procedure, expected recovery, and potential risks.

Minimally invasive surgery also has potential risks, just like any operation. These can include infection, nerve irritation or numbness, stiffness, continued pain, recurrence of the bunion, delayed bone healing, and the possibility of additional surgery.

 

 

What Can You Expect During Recovery?

Your recovery plan will depend on the specific procedure performed and your individual circumstances.

Dr. Williams or Dr. Zemela may recommend a protective surgical shoe or walking boot, limitations on weight-bearing, elevation, and specific exercises or physical therapy.

Follow-up visits and postoperative X-rays will be used to monitor your healing and the alignment of your foot.

Because every bunion and every patient is different, your doctor will provide individualized guidance about when you can return to work, driving, exercise, and normal footwear.

A New Option for Bunion Care in Lincoln Park

If bunion pain is interfering with your daily life, you may have more options than you realize.

Through our partnership with Treace, the makers of Lapiplasty®, Lincoln Park Podiatry is pleased to offer two new minimally invasive bunion procedures to appropriately selected patients.

Dr. Williams and Dr. Zemela will take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your foot, and discuss the treatment options available to you.

The goal is not simply a smaller incision—it is safe, lasting correction of the bunion with an appropriate recovery plan tailored to you.

Take the Next Step

Don't let a painful bunion dictate the shoes you wear or the activities you enjoy.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams or Dr. Zemela at Lincoln Park Podiatry to find out whether minimally invasive bunion surgery—and our new Treace/Lapiplasty® procedures—may be right for you.

Individual results vary. Minimally invasive bunion surgery is not appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual anatomy, condition, and goals.