With common risk factors for the development of bunions including genetics as well as wearing tight, restrictive footwear, it was no surprise to Judy (a 65 year-old retiree from Missouri) that she developed bunions on both feet. Not only do bunions run in her family, Judy spent much of her adult life in dress shoes as the owner of a retail-clothing store with long hours on her feet.
For more than thirty years as a successful business owner, office employee, and busy mother, Judy suffered some degree of pain. She tried over-the-counter orthopedic gel pads and inserts in search of relief, but to no avail. As the years progressed and the pain increased, Judy limited her mobility. And, as the bunions became visible though many of her shoes, she began to feel self-conscious about her appearance.
In 2016, a searing pain in the middle toe on her right foot sent her to Dr. Jody McAleer, a podiatrist in nearby Jefferson City, MO. Dr. McAleer diagnosed the pain as a pinched nerve brought about by the bunion. He suggested correcting it through a common surgical procedure called a Lapidus bunionectomy.
Judy underwent surgery on her right foot in October 2016. She was required to be completely non-weight bearing for the first six weeks before being allowed to move into a walking boot.
During one of her follow-up visits with Dr. McAleer, he informed her about a new surgical procedure called Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® that he had learned about and had become trained on. Dr. McAleer felt this new procedure would be a good option for the bunion on her left foot.
The Lapiplasty® Procedure would address all three dimensions of the bunion deformity by rotating the patient’s entire affected metatarsal bone back into normal alignment. The unstable joint is then stabilized with patented titanium plating technology. This 3D approach to bunion correction naturally removes the bump and straightens the toe, while the patented Lapiplasty® titanium plating technology enables patients to bear weight on their foot within 3-10 days in a walking boot.1,2
Judy’s Lapiplasty® Procedure took place in June 2017. She was able to put weight on her left foot the day following the operation, in a walking boot. She was able to move out of the boot after six weeks into normal, comfortable shoe wear; and was walking pain-free at 2 months.
“The difference between my first bunion surgery and the Lapiplasty® Procedure was like night and day. I was happy with how quickly I was on my feet and fully recovered with the new approach,” Judy said.
And today, according to Judy, she is pain-free, no longer self-conscious with her appearance, and enjoys life with her friends and family. She is content with the knowledge that if the bunion on her right foot should reappear, she can address it with the newer, novel approach of Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®.
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.
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View April's Story“I had very little pain from the surgery. Overall it was easier than anticipated."
View Jim's Story"It was so good to be able to get back to doing the things I enjoy without pain!"
View Laura's StoryTake Our Bunion Assessment
Answer 4 simple questions to see if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® may be right for you.†
1 of 4
Select the image below that best describes your bunion.
2 of 4
Please select the level of foot pain you experience most of the time.
3 of 4
Which of the following most accurately describes where you're at in your bunion treatment process?
(Select all that apply)
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*The “Am I a Candidate” assessment should only be completed by patients over the age of 18 or by a parent/legal guardian. This tool does not provide medical advice. This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery. Please consult with your doctor to determine if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery is right for your specific condition. Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery is indicated for patients 12 years of age and older. As with any medical treatment, there are risks and recovery takes time. For a complete list of risks, see the Patient Risk Information. For more info on recovery times, see Recovery. For information about how we handle your information, please see our Privacy Policy. By submitting your information and clicking I agree, you consent to receive information about the Lapiplasty® Procedure by email, text, phone, or via online advertising and to our use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy. We will handle your information and communicate with you as stated in our Privacy Policy. See the Privacy Policy for instructions for opting out of receiving automated text messages and phone calls containing marketing materials regarding the Lapiplasty® Procedure.
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This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery.
This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery.
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Bunion Pain Can Worsen Without Treatment1
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The Lapiplasty® procedure may help alleviate your bunion pain before it gets worse. Contact a Lapiplasty® Patient Educator directly or schedule a call time that is convenient for you.
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Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®.
Based on your responses, you are not a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®. Lapiplasty® is indicated for treatment of bunions (also known as Hallux Valgus) - a bump found at the base of the big toe. If you do not suffer from a bunion, then Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® is not for you. We wish you good health!
Still think you might be experiencing pain from a bunion?
Here are 5 symptoms to look out for that could make Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® a good option for you:
- You're seeing a visual "bump" at the base of your big toe.
- Shoes that once fit comfortably now feel too tight or painful to wear.
- You experience frequent numbness or tightness in your big toe.
- Pain or swelling increases when you stand for long periods of time.
- You struggle or are unable to bend your big toe without feeling pain or a burning sensation.
Here are some helpful resources to help you learn more about bunions and your treatment options:
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