Sixty-one-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident Andrea developed bunions on both feet at a very early age. Her bunions were not initially painful, and Andrea was able to accommodate the bony bumps at the base of both of her big toes (which caused her feet to be irregularly shaped) by choosing to wear shoes with a wide toe box.

Andrea’s “sensible shoe” approach enabled her, in part, to manage any potential discomfort and she was able to enjoy a very active lifestyle which included exercising, walking outside, and riding her bicycle. In early 2017, however, the shape of her left big toe started to change – an indication that her bunion was getting worse. Andrea scheduled a visit with a podiatrist who elected to try non-surgical treatments. These provided only temporary relief. Corresponding with this timeframe, Andrea developed pain in her lower back which spread to her left knee and left hip within a few months.

As the year progressed, the pain in her back, knee and hip grew more pronounced and her walk became unsteady. Initially, Andrea suspected that her issues were caused by physical overexertion and didn’t connect it with her bunions. A consultation with a sports medicine doctor led to physical therapy but, once again, she experienced only temporary relief.

In December of 2017, the bunion on Andrea’s left foot became more painful, and coupled with the discomfort in the other parts of her body, she had no choice but to discontinue all the physical activities she enjoyed so much. Her physical condition even deteriorated to the point that she could not stand for long periods of time.

When the sports medicine doctor suggested she consult with another podiatrist, Andrea scheduled an appointment with Dr. Christopher Pappas at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, who suggested surgical correction using Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®. Dr Pappas explained to Andrea that, unlike a traditional 2D osteotomy bunion surgery which focuses more on the cosmetic “bump”, the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® procedure addresses the true root cause of bunions by permanently stabilizing the unstable joint at the base of the big toe and rotating the misaligned bone into normal alignment. Patented, metal plates are used to permanently secure that unstable joint and are designed to allow patients to put weight on their foot shortly after surgery. Desperate for relief, Andrea agreed to the procedure that day.

Andrea underwent Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® at the end of December 2017 and she was able to put weight on her foot with the assistance of a boot approximately two weeks after surgery. Very quickly after the procedure she noticed that her bunion no longer ached, and by the end of February 2018, her left big toe, back, knee and hip were completely pain-free. Not long after that, Andrea happily resumed her active lifestyle.

“I could not be more pleased with the Lapiplasty® Procedure because it enabled me to resume the activities that bring me joy,” said Andrea. “I am fortunate that the bunion on my right toe remains pain-free, but if it acts up, you better believe I will ask Dr. Pappas to correct it!”

Lapiplasty® is a surgical procedure. Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty® Procedure is right for you. This experience is unique and specific to this patient only. Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health, and other variables. There are risks and recovery takes time. For more information about recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure, see the recovery information and discuss the post-surgery recovery process with your doctor. Risks include infection, pain, implant loosening and loss of correction with improper bone healing. For more information on benefits, risks and recovery, visit www.Lapiplasty.com.