We're sitting down with Dr. Amanda Mudek to learn more about LapiFuse Bunion Correction Surgery and the common questions patients have about the surgery, recovery, and bunions in general.
Dr. Mudek's Background
1. Where are you from? What schools did you attend?
I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I attended the University of South Florida with a degree in Biomedical Science and a minor in Military Science, then went on to finish my medical degree from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio.
2. How long have you been in Podiatric Medicine?
I started my residency in 2011 in the Army and practiced in military hospitals until May 2021. I began working with Gulf South Foot and Ankle in July 2021.
3. What types of things are you focusing your practice on or which types do you enjoy most?
I treat all ages and conditions but enjoy treating sports injuries and educating patients on preventative care.
General Bunion Questions
1. In your experience, what have been the main causes of bunions among your patients?
Genetics plays a huge role in developing a bunion. Other causes can be footwear or trauma.
2. When is it necessary for a patient to have bunion surgery?
I advise patients to wait until they have pain with the bunion. Some other options for treating a bunion include wearing shoes with a wide toe box, padding the area, and using anti-inflammatory medications when there is pain. Surgery is the only way to correct a bunion despite what you may see on social media!
LapiFuse Bunions Correction Surgery
1. What makes the LapiFuse procedure different from other bunion correction surgeries?
LapiFuse is a surgical technique to fuse the midfoot bones. The instrumentation allows the surgeon to make precise bone cuts and insert hardware
2. How long does the LapiFuse procedure take?
The procedure usually takes an hour.
3. What has recovery looked like for most of your patients?
Patients need to stay off the surgical foot for 3 weeks to allow initial bone healing, then progress from there.
4. If you enjoy athletics such as running, how soon after surgery will you be able to get active again?
Most patients return to some running at 3-4 months post-op.
5. Will the procedure improve the patient's mobility?
The goal of the procedure is to get the patient back to the level of activity they enjoy without the added pain from having a bunion.
6. When can the patient wear loose-fitting closed-toe shoes again after the surgery?
I usually transition to these types of shoes 6 weeks after surgery.
7. Is it possible for my bunion to return after surgery?
It is possible, but rare.
8. Is Bunion Surgery Painful? Is Anesthesia Used?
Foot surgery in general is painful, but I give a local anesthetic block to help with pain after the procedure. You will also have IV sedation by anesthesia during the procedure. This is basically like taking a nap since you are still breathing on your own. I always give patients pain medications for home use to help with any discomfort.
9. Who Should Avoid Bunion Surgery?
I would never recommend surgery to someone who does not experience pain with their bunion. If the patient is diabetic, then their blood sugars must be controlled prior to having any surgery.
10. Can you get both feet done at the same time?
A patient cannot have both done at the same time for this procedure since you have to be completely off your feet.
LapiFuse Presentation With Dr. Amanda Mudek, DPM
Dr. Amanda Mudek will host an event with Stryker on May 10 at 6 pm at Vincent's in Metairie to discuss the procedure. If you are interested in attending the event, please see the information below and click or scan the QR code to register.
Click Here to register for the event.
Click Here to read more on LapiFuse Bunion Correction Surgery.
If you’re ready to put an end to your bunions once and for all and get back to living a comfortable and active lifestyle, then consult with Gulf Coast Foot & Ankle today