A Procedure Matched to the Deformity
There is no single “bunion surgery.” A correct procedure addresses the actual driver of the deformity - and that varies from patient to patient. Dr. O’Carroll’s options include:
- Distal osteotomy (chevron, Akin) for mild bunions
- Scarf osteotomy for moderate deformity
- Lapidus and Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction for moderate-to-severe bunions with TMT joint instability
- First MTP fusion for bunions associated with severe arthritis
Lapiplasty® 3D Correction
Lapiplasty® addresses the bunion in three planes - correcting the rotational component that traditional 2D osteotomies miss - and permanently stabilizes the unstable TMT joint that drove the deformity. Recurrence rates are lower than with osteotomy alone, and most patients are walking in a boot within days.
Dr. O’Carroll was the first surgeon in the state of California to perform Lapiplasty® and has been performing the procedure for years with consistently great outcomes.
Recovery
Varies by procedure - typically a surgical boot for 2–6 weeks, transition to regular footwear at 6–10 weeks, and return to most activities by 3–6 months. Return to running and high-impact sport at 6–12 months.