Bunions: Plantar Lapidus Surgical Technique Animation

Bunions: Plantar Lapidus Surgical Technique Animation

This animated video demonstrates a joint fusion to repair a bunion deformity. A plate and screws will be used to fuse the bones together.

A small incision will be made on the inside, or medial side, of the foot, overlying the first tarsometatarsal joint. This joint is where the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform bones meet in the foot. This joint is often called the first T M T joint.

Once the incision is made, the bones in this joint will be prepared for the fusion. Retractors will be used to protect the nearby structures. A small bone saw will be used to remove the thin layer of cartilage at the end of each bone in the joint. Cartilage is removed so that the bones can heal together.

Bone graft material is often used in this area to assist with healing. If there is additional deformity in the metatarsal, a temporary wire will be placed in the bone to help move it into proper position. A second temporary wire will be used to keep the bones in position while the plate and screws are being placed.

Again, a temporary wire will be used to hold the plate to the bone. An instrument may be used to help contour the plate to the bone. Then, another temporary wire will be used to hold this side of the plate in place. Before screws are placed, x-rays will be taken to ensure the plate is in the proper position.

Once confirmed, a drill tower will be placed, and a drill bit will be used to make a hole for the first screw. Here, the first screw is being placed. One wire will be removed and again this process will be repeated to place another screw.

Next, a larger drill will be used to place a screw across the joint space to assist with the joint fusion. The length of the hole will be measured, and a screw will be inserted. Prior to the screw being fully inserted, the temporary wires will be removed. The screw will then be fully placed to achieve compression across the joint.

The final screws will be inserted in similar fashion. The surgery is now complete, and the incision will be closed.