LAPIFUSE™ Bunion Procedure » Thomas Rambacher DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA

Put bunions in their place. Once and for all.

Bunions are a pain—literally. But one simple procedure could change it all. Welcome to Lapifuse, a new type of bunion surgical correction that is designed to reduce pain and increase mobility; it also protects the natural appearance of your foot. With Lapifuse, patients are less likely to experience bunion recurrence.¹

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About Dr. Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA

When it comes to foot and ankle care, our doctors are leading the way with the most advanced treatment options for all ages and activity levels. Whether you or someone you care about suffers from discomfort, a chronic condition or injury, the doctors have the knowledge, tools and technology to help bring restoration and healing. With a state-of-the art office that is conveniently located and freeway close, Podiatry Hotline Foot and Ankle offers friendly, compassionate, continuity of care with treatments offered both in-office and at the hospital level.

“I have the expertise to treat runners and sport related injuries like neuromas and pronation and easily as daily problems such as bunion and hammertoes,” says Dr. Rambacher.

“I also treat children of all ages who suffer from flat feet and growing pains in the feet; adults with day-to-day foot, heel or ankle pain; and older adult foot-care maintenance. Our services are designed to cater to the whole family.”

With a practice specializing in minimally invasive surgical procedures and natural growth factors to safely and effectively accelerate the natural healing process, Podiatry Hotline Foot and Ankle also incorporates cord blood and placental tissue when warranted to augment or assist with traditional podiatric procedures. With your convenience in mind, Podiatry Hotline Foot and Ankle features state-of-the-art equipment to allow for prompt and accurate diagnosis for most foot and ankle problems, and an easily accessible “Podiatry Hotline” telephone and text system, so you can always communicate with the doctor and his staff.

Known for his compassionate, solution-minded approach, Dr. Rambacher emphasizes podiatric care that offers patients an accurate diagnosis and personally-tailored treatment plans. “By getting the diagnosis right the first time, we help patients avoid painful and costly corrective treatments or procedures.”

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See if Lapifuse is right for you.

What is LapiFuse?

Some bunion procedures can shorten and alter the look of your toe, that may cause pain and other foot-related issues down the road. LapiFuse is different. Traditional fusion surgeries simply correct bunion deformities at only the big toe joint. By using what is known as “Triplanar Correction,” LapiFuse can correct foot deformities caused by bunions at the source of the problem leading to holistic treatment that can reduce pain, all while preserving the natural look of the foot.

Reasons to Believe in LapiFuse

Lapifuse checks off every box.

Improved Appearance

Bunion correction treatment that removes the bunion and preserves toe length to protect the natural appearance of the foot.

Reduced Pain

The LapiFuse procedure is designed to reduce pain and the likelihood of future procedures^1,2 by eliminating the bunion and maintaining the alignment achieved during the procedure.

Increased Mobility

The LapiFuse procedure is specially designed to improve mobility by addressing the issue in the midfoot which preserves the joint movement of the big toe, letting you get back to your active lifestyle.

Is it time to consider LapiFuse?

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How does it work?

The time required for the LapiFuse procedure is unique to each patient and surgeon. Generally, the LapiFuse procedure will take 45-60 minutes. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a few small incisions to expose the affected joint. After preparing the joint, they will then rotate the joint to return it to its proper alignment, restoring the foot to its natural appearance. To secure the correction, your surgeon will apply anatomically correct titanium plates, to the joint.

Recovery instructions may vary by surgeon, and results are specific to individual patients. It is recommended that you keep your foot elevated to heal for the first week post-procedure; then after 10 days, you will be placed in a bunion dressing and short walker boot. After 6 weeks, your doctor will remove the boot and you should be able to wear normal footwear. Please consult your doctor on recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing.

FAQs

Q: What makes the LapiFuse procedure different from other bunion correction surgeries?
A: Some bunion correction procedures require shortening of the toe and large incisions that can affect how the foot looks, while potentially creating new pain and leading to additional surgical procedures.
The LapiFuse Bunion Procedure is designed to preserve toe length, reduce pain and restore the natural appearance of the foot.²

Q: How long does the LapiFuse procedure take?
A: The time required for the LapiFuse procedure is unique to each patient and surgeon. Generally, the LapiFuse procedure will take 45-60 minutes.

Q: What will my recovery look like?
A: Recovery instructions may vary by surgeon. Results are specific to individual patients. During the first week after your procedure, it is generally recommended that you keep your foot elevated to heal. Then, 10 days post-operation, you may be placed in a bunion dressing and short walker boot. After 6 weeks, your doctor may remove the boot and you should be able to wear normal footwear. However, please consult your doctor on recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Q: Will the procedure improve my mobility?
A: Because the LapiFuse procedure preserves the joint movement of the big toe, it is specially designed to improve mobility, letting you get back to your active lifestyle. Typically, patients should be able to return to regular physical activity 6-7 weeks after their procedure. However, please consult your doctor on recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Recovery instructions may vary by surgeon. Results are specific to individual patients.

Q: When can I wear loose fitting closed-toe shoes again?
A: Typically, at 6-7 weeks, patients are allowed full weight bearing in loose fitting close toed shoes. Your doctor will provide you with recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Recovery instructions may vary by surgeon. Results are specific to individual patients.

Q: Is it possible for my bunion to return after surgery?
A: Surgical correction of bunions seeks to address the underlying structural causes of bunions and the LapiFuse procedure is specially designed with compression technology to reduce the likelihood that bunions will return. However, there is a possibility that the bunions may return and, to reduce that risk, be sure to comply fully with your doctor’s recovery instructions.¹

Is LapiFuse Right for Me?

Use the discussion guide below when speaking with your doctor to determine if surgery is the right next step.

How long have you had bunions?
What non-surgical or at-home treatments have yu/do you use for temporary relief?
Does your bunion pain ever make it difficult to walkor stand for long periods of time?
Does your bunion pain ever prevent youfrom daily activities or exercise?

Download Discussion Guide

Bunion surgery: before & after

References

Galli, et al. JFAS vol. 54 (2015) 437–440.
Walker, Harris. Foot Ankle Clin N Am vol. 24 (2019) 641–648

Important Information

For important risk information click here

Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks, anticipated implant duration and possible outcomes.

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What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the outside of the base of your big toe.

The big toe is made up of two joints, the larger being known as the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP joint) and is located at the base of the big toe. This is where bunions most commonly develop. Instability at this joint causes the big toe to lean in toward the second toe, changing the normal structure of the bones in the foot over time.

Bunions start out small, but frequently get worse over time. If left untreated, bunion deformities can worsen and cause greater pain and further limit movement.

Severe bunions can greatly alter the appearance of the foot, potentially forcing the big toe to angle all the way under or over the second toe. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment early on, before more severe symptoms begin to appear.

To learn more about bunions, visit the bunion website.

Is it time to consider LapiFuse?

Book a Consultation

Important Information

For important risk information click here

AP-016029