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NewsWhen it comes to fixing bunions, less invasive doesn't mean less effective. A new study comparing minimally invasive (MIS) and open Lapidus procedures for hallux valgus found both approaches delivered clinically meaningful improvements in pain and physical function at one year. Complication rates — including non-healing, recurrence, infection, and hardware removal — were also similar between the two groups.
Surgeons debating which bunion-fixing technique to use can breathe a little easier. A retrospective study of 140 patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus found that both minimally invasive (MIS) and open Lapidus procedures produced comparable outcomes one year after surgery, according to results presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting.
Both groups showed clinically meaningful improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, physical function, and global physical health scores. Complication rates — including bone non-healing, bunion recurrence, infection, and hardware removal — were no different between the two approaches. There were minor radiographic differences: the open technique offered slightly better correction of hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles, while MIS edged ahead on Meary's angle correction.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: These findings give surgeons confidence to stick with the technique they know best, while also encouraging longer-term data collection to uncover any procedure-specific advantages down the road.
