52-year old Columbus, Ohio resident Vivian is constantly on her feet. In addition to her full-time job cleaning houses, she also works part-time as a receptionist in a law firm. While this schedule can be grueling, Vivian’s bunions often made it agonizing as well.
When Vivian was in her late twenties, bunions formed on both of her feet and within a few years, the bunion on her left foot became incredibly painful. She described the pain as “like needles stabbing my foot” and, over time, the bunion progressed to the point that it was visible through her shoe. By the time she reached her mid-forties and barely being able to walk, she reached out to a local podiatrist.
The podiatrist recommended a traditional 2D osteotomy correction procedure, but did not adequately explain the lengthy recovery process involved. Desperate for pain relief, Vivian underwent the procedure, whereby the bump associated with her bunion was shaved off. Although she was pain-free following surgery, her toe was not straight and she was under strict orders not to put weight on her foot for two months. To cap it off, the bunion returned less than a year later.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that as many as 30-70% of patients receiving an osteotomy are likely to have their bunion recur.1-3 And, one in three osteotomy patients end up dissatisfied with their long-term surgical result.3
Although the bunion on her right foot was manageable for more than two decades, it worsened in severity and the acute pain that Vivian suffered from years before returned. Unwilling to suffer as she did with her left foot, she contacted her primary care physician who referred her to Dr. David Kaplansky in Columbus. After evaluating her condition, Dr. Kaplansky suggested Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ addresses the true root cause of bunions by stabilizing the unstable joint at the base of the big toe and rotating the misaligned bone into normal alignment.4-5
Vivian underwent Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ in July 2018 and immediately noticed a few differences compared with her previous surgery. Not only was the toe was completely straight, Dr. Kaplansky gave her permission to put weight on her foot (while wearing a boot) less than two weeks after the procedure, allowing Vivian to quickly return to work. She began walking without the boot just six weeks after her procedure, and today is pain-free.
“I couldn’t be happier with the Lapiplasty® Procedure and wish it was available all those years ago for my left foot,” said Vivian. “I spend much of my day on my feet and now I understand how much of an improvement the Lapiplasty® Procedure is over the old surgical method. I plan to have the bunion on my left foot corrected again; this time with Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.”
Important Risk Information: Only a surgeon can tell if the Lapiplasty® Procedure is right for you. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. This experience is unique and specific to the patient. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. For information about our recovery times, see our Recovery pages. Potential risks include infection, pain, implant loosening, and loss of correction due to improper bone healing. For a complete list of risks, see the Patient Risk Information. For information about how we handle your information please see our Privacy Policy.
75,000 Patients & Counting
More Patient Stories
Take the Short Quiz & Get Your Bunion Assessment
Answer 4 simple questions to see if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ may be right for you. We’ll send your results directly to your inbox.
Start Quiz1 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)
4 of 4
You're almost there!
Please provide your email address and zip code below so we can send your personalized bunion assessment results right to your inbox. If you are a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ surgery, we'll also help you find trained & experienced Lapiplasty® doctors in your area.
*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.
Quiz Complete!
You may be a candidate for the Lapiplasty® Procedure.
Thank you for completing the quiz. Based on your answers, it looks like the Lapiplasty® Procedure may help provide relief for your bunion pain. Take the next step and find a local surgeon today.
Find a Lapiplasty® Doctor
Use our convenient Find-A-Doctor tool to find a local doctor near you.
Bunion Pain Can Worsen Without Treatment1
Take the next step toward relief today.
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.

See What Patients Are Saying
Quiz Complete!
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:
If you feel you answered any questions inaccurately, take the quiz again!
Restart QuizFind a Doctor Near You
Search 1,000s of trained & experienced Lapiplasty® surgeons