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Dr. Jason Glover performs 100th procedure in advanced bunion surgery

Dr. Jason Glover, podiatry specialist and foot and ankle surgeon at Rutherford Regional Health System, stepped into a career milestone this July. On Thursday, July 14, Glover completed his 100th Lapiplasty bunionectomy – a new, and improved, approach to bunion surgery, according to Glover. 

Bunions are one of the most common foot problems in adults, especially older adults, affecting up to 1 in 3 Americans. They appear in the form of bumps outside the big toe but are actually caused by a deeper issue and instability with the underlying joint. The unbalanced bone leans out of alignment, creating a bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. 

While bunion surgeries are relatively common, this new type of procedure dives deeper into the problem. Traditional bunionectomy procedures only address the top part of the metatarsal and ignore the unstable joint beneath. Lapiplasty addresses the root cause, by correcting and securing the unstable joint. 

“When it comes to bunion surgery, the Lapiplasty is one of the top-notch procedures you can do,” Glover said. “It also provides a lower reoccurrence rate for the patient.”

The surgery utilizes advanced fixation technology, which aids in the recovery time and lifelong results of the procedure. Many patients are able to bear weight on their foot within 1-2 weeks after surgery, returning to most regular activities and normal shoes at about 4-6 months. The procedure also lessens the likelihood of the bunion coming back, with 2019 data showing a reoccurrence rate of just 3 percent. 

“It’s a difficult procedure to do, it’s very technical,” Glover said. “But it has phenomenal results.”

Glover underwent special training to be able to perform Lapiplasty bunionectomies for his patients and is one of the only providers in the immediate area to offer the procedure. 

“We’re offering a service to patients that they can’t get in many locations in North Carolina,” said Linda Barr, surgical services director at Rutherford Regional. 

Glover is accepting new patients at both Rutherford Orthopaedics, 139 Henry Norris Dr., Rutherfordton, and Polk Medical Specialties, 801 West Mills Street, Suite B, Columbus, NC. He will continue to offer Lapiplasty procedures at Rutherford Regional Health System. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com. or call 828.287.9260.

“Here’s to the next 100,” Glover said.

 

Submitted by Tiffany Fields