Francine constantly spends long hours on her feet. In between her work as a patient service representative at a pain clinic and a licensed phlebotomist, as well as, taking care of her many pets including two horses, two donkeys, three dogs and 12 chickens; she rarely finds time to relax. “I am constantly on the move,” said Francine, a 57-year-old Maine resident. “So, when the bunion on my left foot first started protruding, I simply ignored it. I felt like I did not have any other choice.” Francine bought wide shoes and special socks to separate her toes to try to ease the pain, but they provided limited comfort. Over the course of several years the pain worsened significantly and eventually became unbearable. That is when Francine decided to see a specialist to discuss her surgical options.

She was referred to Dr. Barry White from Portland Foot and Ankle who said that her bunion was one of the most severe cases he had ever seen. He recommended a new procedure that could restore Francine’s natural anatomy and potentially prevent her bunion from recurring. “I had lived in pain for so long that I liked the idea of a procedure that would give me comfort that I might never have to through this kind of agony again,” she said.

The Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™ Procedure would address the underlying cause of Francine’s bunion by restoring her bone’s natural alignment then permanently securing the unstable joint in the foot that is the root of the problem. The Lapiplasty® Procedure could also potentially result in a faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods, allowing Francine to get back to her work and animals quickly. Deciding that the proposed benefits of Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™ made for an attractive treatment option, Francine booked her surgery for September 2018.

Following the procedure, she was able to return home immediately. “It hurt at first, there is no doubt. But, within about three days, I no longer felt like I needed to take any prescription pain medication. I just tried to stay off my foot and rest.” She added, “Being an extremely active person, any down time for me at all is a shock to the system physically and emotionally. Thankfully, my husband was there every step of the way and within a few weeks I was up and walking again.”

Francine is now back to her normal activities and likes to tell people how the procedure helped her. She also is extremely thankful to Dr. White for offering this treatment option and has since referred several of her friends who suffer from bunions to his office. “He was always upfront and honest with me every step of the way. I trusted his recommendation on Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™, and he was right,” she explained. “While recovery from any surgery might be difficult for a moment, it is always better than living a life in constant pain.”

Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™ is right for you. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary and this experience is unique and specific to this patient only. There are potential risks with surgery and recovery takes time. Potential risks include, but are not limited to: infection, discomfort from the presence of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction with nonunion or malunion.