Why Are MTP Fusion Surgeries More Common in Canada? Exploring Bunion Treatments Across Borders
Last Updated: Jun 10th 2025 | Reviewed by Dr. Emily Carter, DPM – Board-Certified Podiatrist
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment options.
If you're exploring bunion surgery options, you’ve likely come across various procedures like MTP fusion, bunion implants, and Lapiplasty. A recent Reddit comment from a user in Alberta, Canada, questioned why doctors there are hesitant to consider bunion implants, while seemingly more open to procedures like MTP (metatarsophalangeal joint) fusion. This opens the door to an important conversation about bunion correction standards—why do treatment options vary so much between countries like Canada and the United States?
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Understanding MTP Fusion and Its Popularity in Canada
MTP fusion involves the surgical joining (arthrodesis) of the bones in the big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint), eliminating motion to relieve pain and correct deformity. It's commonly used in cases of severe hallux rigidus (arthritis of the big toe) or advanced bunion deformities.
Why It's Preferred in Canadian Healthcare:
- ✅ Proven effectiveness for late-stage arthritis and deformity.
- ✅ Often fully covered by Canada's provincial healthcare systems.
- ✅ Lower complication and revision rates compared to newer technologies.
Expert Insight: According to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, MTP fusion is considered a gold-standard procedure for patients with significant joint degeneration due to its predictable outcomes and durability.
Canadian physicians often prioritize conservative, evidence-backed treatments. MTP fusion has decades of clinical data supporting its use, especially for older individuals or those with limited mobility.
Why Are Bunion Implants Less Common in Canada?
Although implants are designed to preserve joint motion, they are less frequently recommended across Canadian provinces.
Key Reasons Include:
- 🔬 Lack of Long-Term Data: Many bunion implants, such as synthetic joint spacers, lack long-term studies showing consistent durability or superiority over fusion techniques.
- 💸 Cost & Coverage: Implants often come with higher costs and may not be covered under public insurance like OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
- 🏥 Institutional Preference: Canadian hospitals tend to favor procedures with lower risk profiles and higher long-term success rates.
Medical Source: A 2021 review in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery found that implant-based approaches had higher revision rates in some cases, especially when used in patients with moderate to severe deformity.
How Does the U.S. Approach Differ?
The U.S. healthcare system, being predominantly privatized, provides greater flexibility and access to emerging surgical technologies.
Surgery Options Commonly Available in the U.S.:
- 🌟 Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction: A patented approach that stabilizes the root cause of bunions at the metatarsal bone.
- 🦴 Cartiva® Synthetic Implants: Used in patients with arthritis to maintain joint motion.
- 🧪 Access to Clinical Trials: Many U.S. foot surgeons participate in ongoing trials and offer newer devices not yet available abroad.
Why This Flexibility Exists:
- 💼 Private Practice Model: Greater incentive to offer innovative or elective procedures.
- 🧑⚕️ Specialist Access: Easier to find surgeons trained in newer techniques.
- ⚖️ Patient Autonomy: U.S. patients often play a more active role in choosing their treatment path.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Richard Blake, DPM, notes that "in the U.S., patients frequently seek motion-preserving procedures, especially if they're younger or highly active. The trade-off is often a slightly higher revision risk."
Lapiplasty vs. MTP Fusion: Why Isn't Lapiplasty the Gold Standard?
As discussed in this Reddit post, Lapiplasty is gaining popularity but hasn't universally replaced traditional procedures.
Limitations of Lapiplasty®:
- 🧩 Not for All Cases: It’s not effective in patients with end-stage arthritis or severe joint erosion.
- 💰 Higher Cost: May not be covered by insurance and often involves specialized surgical training.
- 🕐 Limited Long-Term Data: Introduced in 2016, Lapiplasty lacks decades of follow-up data compared to MTP fusion.
Non-Surgical Relief Options for Bunion Pain
If you’re not ready for surgery—or want to delay it—non-invasive solutions can offer meaningful relief and improved alignment.
- Orthopedic Bunion Pain Relief & Correction Sleeve – Offers gentle realignment and pain relief, ideal for daily wear.
- Tailor's Bunion Bunionette Protection Sleeves – Designed for the smaller bunionette near the pinky toe.
- Jamaica Black Castor Oil Soothing Oil – Moisturizes and reduces inflammation around painful bunions.
Practical Tips: What You Can Do Right Now
- ✅ Get a second opinion: If you're unsure about surgery, consult a foot and ankle specialist (DPM or orthopedic surgeon) in your region.
- ✅ Track your symptoms: Keep a pain and mobility journal to help determine if surgery is necessary.
- ✅ Try non-surgical aids: Orthopedic sleeves, shoe inserts, and proper footwear can significantly reduce discomfort.
- ✅ Ask about all your options: Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about Lapiplasty, Cartiva, or other newer techniques—even if they are less common locally.
Final Thoughts: Should You Push for More Surgical Options?
Your treatment path should reflect your pain level, lifestyle, and long-term goals. While MTP fusion might be the go-to in Canada, it’s worth discussing all options—including implants and Lapiplasty—with your orthopedic surgeon. If you're in the U.S., you may have more flexibility, but always weigh the risks and benefits.
Important: Surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the best procedure depends on individual anatomy, activity level, and goals.
What Do You Think?
Would you choose a time-tested method like MTP fusion, or advocate for newer implant technology? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—your insight could help others navigating the same journey.
Explore More Bunion Relief Solutions
If you're looking for relief from bunion pain, consider using the Orthopedic Bunion Pain Relief & Correction Sleeve , which provides support and helps to alleviate discomfort.
For additional protection, the Tailor's Bunion Bunionette Pain Relief Protection Sleeves are designed to offer comfort and protection for bunionette pain.
To nourish and soothe the skin around bunions, as well as to promote healthy hair, consider the Jamaica Black Castor Oil Soothing Oil . Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps alleviate discomfort around bunions and supports hair growth and scalp health.
Key Takeaways
- MTP fusion is favored in Canada due to its long-term success, coverage under provincial healthcare, and lower complication rates.
- Newer implants and techniques like Lapiplasty are more accessible in the U.S. but may come with higher costs and limited long-term data.
- Non-surgical options such as orthopedic sleeves and soothing oils can provide meaningful relief for mild to moderate cases.
- Always consult a foot and ankle specialist to explore all treatment avenues before deciding on surgery.
FAQs
Q: Is MTP fusion permanent?
A: Yes. MTP fusion is a permanent surgery that eliminates joint motion to reduce pain. Once fused, the joint cannot bend again.
Q: Can bunions come back after surgery?
A: Recurrence is possible, especially with less invasive procedures. Fusion surgeries like MTP have lower recurrence rates compared to soft tissue or implant-based methods.
Q: How long is the recovery from MTP fusion?
A: Most patients require 6–8 weeks of non-weight-bearing recovery, followed by physical therapy. Full recovery can take 3–6 months.
Q: Are bunion sleeves a substitute for surgery?
A: No, but they can provide effective pain relief and alignment support for mild to moderate bunion symptoms.
Q: What should I ask my surgeon before bunion surgery?
A: Ask about procedure options, success rates, recovery time, risks, and whether the surgery will preserve or eliminate joint motion.
Reviewed by Dr. Emily Carter, DPM – Board-Certified Podiatrist with 15+ years of clinical experience in bunion and foot deformity correction.