Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. (TMCI) performed the first surgical case with its new Lapiplasty Lightning™ system on January 8 2026, marking the first real‑world use of the upgraded platform. The procedure was conducted by Dr. William T. DeCarbo, a member of Treace’s Surgeon Advisory Board, at the Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center.
The Lightning system builds on the company’s flagship Lapiplasty platform by adding a new set of advanced instruments that reduce surgical steps, provide precise three‑plane correction, and streamline workflow through the SpeedPlate® Rapid Compression Fixation technology. Dr. DeCarbo noted that the instrumentation was intuitive and allowed for a faster procedure while maintaining the high level of accuracy that has defined the Lapiplasty system.
Treace’s CEO and Chairman, John T. Treace, said the launch demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuous advancement of its patented Lapiplasty® System. “Lightning technology improves surgical efficiency and precision and expands its appeal to more surgeons,” he said. The company plans a limited market release in mid‑2026, followed by full commercialization before year‑end, positioning the new system to capture a larger share of the estimated 1.1 million annual bunion‑correction procedures in the U.S. market.
The introduction of Lightning is a strategic move to address surgeon hesitancy around the original platform by offering a more efficient, instrumented solution. By reducing operative time and simplifying the workflow, Treace aims to broaden its appeal beyond early adopters and drive incremental revenue growth in a market that serves 65–67 million Americans with bunions. The phased rollout allows the company to gather feedback, refine the product, and scale production while maintaining control over quality and cost.
Treace’s broader portfolio remains focused on the Lapiplasty platform, but the Lightning upgrade signals a broader commitment to innovation amid competitive pressures and ongoing legal challenges, including a patent‑infringement lawsuit against Stryker and its subsidiary Wright Medical. The company’s strategy to expand its product line and improve operational efficiency positions it to better compete in the bunion‑correction market and sustain long‑term growth.
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