Minimally Invasive and Open Lapidus Surgeries Yielded Similar Outcomes
Patients with hallux valgus saw comparable improvements in pain and physical function one year after both surgery types.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Arthritis
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A study of 140 patients found that minimally invasive and open Lapidus procedures both produced meaningful clinical improvements in pain and physical function one year after surgery. These findings offer new insights for individuals currently exploring surgical options for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus.
Why it matters
Choosing between surgical techniques for foot deformities can be complex, and these results suggest that patients may achieve similar symptomatic relief regardless of the specific approach selected. Understanding the trade-offs between surgical methods helps patients and their care teams make more informed decisions about surgical recovery and outcomes.
In a review of 140 patients, both minimally invasive and open procedures resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in PROMIS pain and physical function scores at one year. While complication rates were similar, the two techniques differed in their ability to correct specific radiographic angles.
The players
Hospital for Special Surgery
An academic medical center specializing in orthopedics, rheumatology, and the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
A professional medical organization providing education and research standards for surgeons specializing in foot and ankle care.
The details
The Lapidus procedure is a surgical intervention used to correct hallux valgus by fusing the joint between the first metatarsal and the cuneiform bone. While open surgery requires a larger incision to access the bone for alignment and fixation, minimally invasive techniques use small portals to perform similar structural corrections under imaging guidance. Researchers evaluated success by analyzing both clinical pain scores and structural radiographic and CT scan measurements to compare how effectively each method addressed the deformity.
Timeline
Clinical outcomes were assessed 1 year postoperatively.
Health Landscape
This study contributes to the broader evolution of foot and ankle surgery, where surgical techniques are increasingly evaluated for their comparative clinical effectiveness. It highlights a trend of rigorously testing minimally invasive approaches against established open techniques to standardize recovery expectations.
If you are considering surgery for hallux valgus, discuss with your surgeon whether your specific anatomy makes you a better candidate for an open or minimally invasive approach. These findings suggest that both methods can lead to meaningful pain reduction, provided they are performed by experienced practitioners.
The takeaway
Both open and minimally invasive Lapidus procedures offer similar potential for improving pain and physical function in patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus. When consulting with a foot and ankle specialist, ask how these surgical approaches compare regarding recovery time and your specific radiographic findings.
Further reading
Learn more about managing joint discomfort and long-term care options in our Arthritis section.
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Do you trust that surgeons can achieve good results with either open or minimally invasive techniques?
