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PECAPLASTY® Percutaneous Bunion Correction

A wire-guided, minimally invasive bunion correction from Enovis that straightens the big toe without opening the joint. Patients typically have less stiffness and an easier recovery.

What Is PECAPLASTY?

PECAPLASTY® is a percutaneous (through-the-skin) bunion correction system from Enovis. It is based on the PECA technique, short for percutaneous chevron and Akin osteotomy, which has been studied and refined for more than a decade.

The correction is made through a few tiny incisions under live X-ray guidance, and the big toe joint itself is never opened. Because the joint is left alone, patients typically have less stiffness than with open techniques.

  • 76%smaller incisions on average than open bunion surgery1,2
  • 8 wksup to 8 weeks faster recovery than traditional open procedures1-3
  • 90%of MIS patients satisfied with cosmetic results, vs. 65% after open surgery1-3

How PECAPLASTY Works

  • Small incisions are placed along the first metatarsal and big toe.
  • Guide wires set the exact angle and position of the correction under live X-ray.
  • A chevron osteotomy (a V-shaped bone cut made with a small burr) lets the metatarsal head shift back into alignment.
  • An Akin osteotomy in the big toe is added when needed to fully straighten the toe.
  • Screws are placed through the small incisions to hold everything in place.

Potential Benefits

  • Weight bearing soon after surgery: Enovis reports patients can typically walk in a post-op shoe right after the procedure
  • Less stiffness: The big toe joint isn’t opened
  • Less pain and faster recovery: Smaller incisions and less soft-tissue damage
  • Proven correction: In a published comparison, PECA achieved correction comparable to the open scarf/Akin technique2
  • Better cosmetic results: 90% of MIS patients satisfied with appearance vs. 65% after open surgery1-3

Who Is PECAPLASTY Best For?

PECAPLASTY is well suited to mild to moderate bunions where the base of the first metatarsal is stable. If your bunion is larger, or the joint in the middle of your foot is unstable, Dr. Johnson may recommend CENTROLOCK, a PROstep MIS Lapidus or another approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PECA stand for?

PECA stands for Percutaneous Chevron and Akin osteotomy, the two bone cuts used to realign the first metatarsal and the big toe through small incisions.

How long until I can wear normal shoes after PECAPLASTY?

Many patients move from the post-op shoe into a roomy athletic shoe a few weeks after surgery, once follow-up X-rays show good healing. Dr. Johnson will guide you through each step.

About these numbers. Outcome figures on this page are reported by the device manufacturers (Enovis and Stryker) and are drawn largely from published data on percutaneous chevron/Akin bunion correction compared with open surgery. They are averages, not guarantees. Your own results depend on your anatomy, the severity of your bunion, the procedure performed, and how closely you follow your recovery plan.
  1. Lam P, Lee M, Xing J, Di Nallo M. Percutaneous surgery for mild to moderate hallux valgus. Foot Ankle Clin. 2016;21(3):459-477.
  2. Lee M, Walsh J, Smith MM, Ling J, Wines A, Lam P. Hallux valgus correction comparing percutaneous chevron/Akin (PECA) and open scarf/Akin osteotomies. Foot Ankle Int. 2017;38(8):838-846.
  3. Maffulli N, et al. 2009, as cited by Enovis (betterstep.com).
  4. Stryker. PROstep MIS Lapidus launch announcement, 2023 (scar size compared with open bunion correction).

Ask About PECAPLASTY

See if percutaneous bunion correction is right for your foot.

Schedule Your Consultation Call (208) 272-9253