As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for an assisted living facility, Vicki spent most of her shift on her feet. But when the 65-year-old Southport, North Carolina resident found herself “off balance” with hard to ignore “knee and hip pain due to compensating for increasing foot pain” she was no longer able to work or drive. The assisted living facility decided to let her go.

Vicki had a bunion; a bone deformity caused by an unstable joint that allows the big toe to drift out of alignment and progressively worsen over time. Six years ago, Vicki went to a podiatrist to discuss treatment options but at the time the only option was traditional bunion surgery which would have meant experiencing a lengthy downtime while she recovered. Vicki put off her bunion surgery due to not being able to stay off her feet due to taking care of her elderly parents. “I couldn’t stay off my feet and still care for my patients, so I put it off,” she explains.

Now, without a position at the assisted living facility, Vicki consulted with Dr. Joseph F. Kibler of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Surgery in Supply, North Carolina for help. At her consultation, Dr. Kibler offered hope and said she was a good candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™. Using photos, Dr. Kibler explained that unlike the traditional 2D bunion surgery, which only addresses a bunion in two dimensions, Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction “would take a plate and four screws and put it in the metatarsal after straightening out the crooked bone. It would fix the root cause of the bunion and it would not be a cosmetic fix.” He also talked with Vicki about what to expect during recovery.

In September, Vicki underwent the Lapiplasty® Procedure on her right foot at Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport. “After three days of rest, I was able to walk in the boot. I had a nerve block for four days and didn’t need prescription medication for pain. For me, I wouldn’t say there was even pain, more of a mild discomfort after surgery.” Vicki remained in the walking boot for six weeks and then returned to a tennis shoe. She’s now able to go back to swimming and enjoying the beach.

Vicki recently spent four days walking around New York – visiting Macy’s, Top of the Rock, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “We had great weather and took Lyft and Uber only when I couldn’t keep up with the fast-walking New Yorkers,” she shares.

When she hears someone has a bunion, Vicki suggests they get Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction^™. “Go ahead and get this procedure if you’re self-conscious of your bunions and they’re causing pain. I no longer have 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.