Is LapiFusion Painful?

LapiFusion can be somewhat painful, but New Yorkers have access to excellent pain management options. Post-surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe medications and recommend methods such as ice, elevation, and supportive footwear to alleviate discomfort. With proper care and adherence to recovery guidelines, many patients find the pain manageable and short-lived.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Those wanting a successful LapiFusion at our New York City location typically need several appointments to ensure proper care and recovery. Initially, there will be a consultation to discuss your condition and plan the surgery. You’ll have a few post-operative appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns. Post-surgery, the exact number of follow-up visits can vary, but generally, you can expect 3-5 appointments over a few months.

How Long Until I See the Results?

After LapiFusion, noticeable improvements generally appear within a few weeks, but full recovery can extend over several months. Weight-bearing in a boot usually starts around 2-3 weeks after surgery, followed by a gradual return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks. Complete recovery, including resumption of high-impact activities, typically requires 4-6 months, contingent on your personal healing and post-operative care adherence.

Can I Combine LapiFusion with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can often combine LapiFusion with other procedures to address multiple foot issues simultaneously. At Aire Podiatry Studio, common additional procedures include hammertoe correction, neuroma treatment, plantar fasciitis surgery, and custom orthotic fitting. Combining surgeries can be convenient and may reduce overall recovery time. Discussing your options with Dr. Ramani or Dr. Koprince to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs is best.

What Are the Risks Associated with LapiFusion?

The Lapidus procedure targets severe bunion deformities by adjusting the bone alignment and ensuring joint stability. Discussing the surgery’s risks and benefits with your surgeon is essential to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your condition. Common risks include: Loss of fixation bone Decrease in bone density Adverse reactions to a foreign body Loosening, bending, crackling, or fracture of the implants Migration of the implant Delayed or loss of correction Revision surgery Bursitis Each patient’s situation is unique, requiring a thoughtful approach to treatment. If you have a bunion, arrange a consultation with our experienced podiatrists to identify the best surgical option for you.

LapiFusion/ Lapidus Procedure

New York, NY

Introduction to LapiFusion

Your chronic foot discomfort is holding you back. Consider the LapiFusion or Lapidus procedure to restore your comfort and mobility. This advanced surgical technique addresses severe bunion deformities by realigning the bones and stabilizing the joint for long-term relief. At Aire Podiatry Studio on the Upper East Side, Dr. Erin Koprince and Dr. Mona Ramani provide expert care to help you regain your comfort and mobility. Trust their compassionate, integrative approach to achieve optimal foot health and a pain-free future.

What is LapiFusion?

LapiFusion, or the Lapidus procedure, is a surgical technique designed to treat severe bunion deformities. It involves fusing the joint between the first metatarsal bone and the medial cuneiform bone in your midfoot, which helps realign and stabilize the joint. This procedure is particularly effective for correcting bunions caused by excessive movement or instability in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. By addressing the root cause of the deformity, LapiFusion provides long-term relief and reduces the risk of recurrence. This surgery is considered when conservative measures, such as physical therapy, orthotics, or changes in footwear, have been ineffective in managing the bunion and its associated symptoms.

A close-up of a surgical scene shows two hands, wearing sterile white gloves, holding a scalpel. One hand grips the blade, while the other holds the handle. A light-skinned foot with light-colored nails rests on a dark blue surgical drape. The setting appears to be a sterile operating room with light blue surgical attire visible on the person. The background features a muted gray-toned wall. - LapiFusion Lapidus Procedure in New York, NY

What Are the Benefits of LapiFusion?

Here in New York City, LapiFusion has been shown to provide numerous benefits for individuals struggling with bunions. Some of the notable advantages include:

Improved stability
Reduced pain
Corrects the root cause of the bunion
Enhanced foot function
Minimally invasive
Shorter recovery time

Who Are the Best Candidates for LapiFusion?

The best candidates for the LapiFusion procedure typically include individuals with the following characteristics:

No significant arthritis in the big toe joint
Moderate to severe bunions
No conditions that severely hamper bone or soft tissue healing
Capable of undergoing surgical procedures
Good overall health

What’s the First Step?

The first step to getting a Lapidus or LapiFusion procedure is to consult with our trained surgeons at Aire Podiatry Studio, serving the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NYC, and the surrounding areas. During this first consultation, our surgeon will evaluate your condition, discuss your symptoms, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You’ll have a conversation about your medical history, undergo a physical exam, review imaging studies, receive preoperative instructions, assess risks, and discuss goals and expectations.

What to Expect on the Day of LapiFusion Treatment

When you arrive at Aire Podiatry Studio for your Lapifusion, you’ll be welcomed by a professional and experienced staff ready to help you on your journey to foot health.

Incision: The surgeon makes an incision on the top of the foot near the junction of the first metatarsal bone and the midfoot.
Bone Realignment: The surgeon realigns the first metatarsal bone by removing a small wedge of bone at the base of the bone. This helps correct the abnormal angulation of the bone that contributes to the bunion deformity.
Joint Fusion: After realigning the bone, the surgeon fuses the joint using screws or plate fixation devices to stabilize it. This fusion prevents excessive movement at the joint and promotes proper alignment of the bones.
Soft Tissue Adjustment: In some cases, soft tissue procedures, such as tightening or realigning the ligaments, may be performed to stabilize the joint further and correct any imbalance in the foot’s structure.
Closure: The incision is closed, and the foot is typically immobilized in a cast or a specialized boot to protect the surgical site and promote proper healing.

LapiFusion Recovery

The recovery period after a LapiFusion or Lapidus procedure involves several stages. In the immediate postoperative period (weeks 0-2), the foot is immobilized in a splint or boot, and patients must avoid putting full weight on it. During the early recovery phase (weeks 2-4), patients transition to a removable boot and may start partial weight-bearing, along with gentle physical therapy exercises. In the intermediate recovery stage (weeks 4-8), continued immobilization and gradual weight-bearing are recommended, with ongoing physical therapy. By the late recovery phase (weeks 8-12), patients can transition to regular shoes, increase to full weight-bearing, and continue physical therapy, with most returning to normal activities within 3-6 months.

How Much Does LapiFusion Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of a LapiFusion procedure in New York City can vary due to factors such as the surgeon’s fees, facility charges, anesthesia costs, and the complexity of the case. Additionally, the specific hospital or surgical center and the geographic location within the city can influence the overall cost. It’s important to check with your insurance provider, as many insurance and Medicare plans typically cover bunionectomy and joint fusion procedures when they are deemed medically necessary. Consulting with your physician can help determine the extent of your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Why Choose Aire Podiatry Studio?

The practice is led by highly skilled podiatric surgeons Erin Koprince, DPM, DABPM, and Mona Ramani, DPM, AACFAS, who have extensive experience and training in foot and ankle care. Aire Podiatry Studio takes a preventive and integrative approach, focusing on the whole body, not just the feet and ankles. The studio incorporates the latest and most innovative technology available, which can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. This holistic approach ensures that your overall health is considered in your treatment plan. Finally, Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the studio is easily accessible for residents of New York City.

LapiFusion/ Lapidus Procedure FAQ’S

LapiFusion can be somewhat painful, but New Yorkers have access to excellent pain management options. Post-surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe medications and recommend methods such as ice, elevation, and supportive footwear to alleviate discomfort. With proper care and adherence to recovery guidelines, many patients find the pain manageable and short-lived.
Those wanting a successful LapiFusion at our New York City location typically need several appointments to ensure proper care and recovery. Initially, there will be a consultation to discuss your condition and plan the surgery. You’ll have a few post-operative appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns. Post-surgery, the exact number of follow-up visits can vary, but generally, you can expect 3-5 appointments over a few months.
After LapiFusion, noticeable improvements generally appear within a few weeks, but full recovery can extend over several months. Weight-bearing in a boot usually starts around 2-3 weeks after surgery, followed by a gradual return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks. Complete recovery, including resumption of high-impact activities, typically requires 4-6 months, contingent on your personal healing and post-operative care adherence.
Yes, you can often combine LapiFusion with other procedures to address multiple foot issues simultaneously. At Aire Podiatry Studio, common additional procedures include hammertoe correction, neuroma treatment, plantar fasciitis surgery, and custom orthotic fitting. Combining surgeries can be convenient and may reduce overall recovery time. Discussing your options with Dr. Ramani or Dr. Koprince to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs is best.
The Lapidus procedure targets severe bunion deformities by adjusting the bone alignment and ensuring joint stability. Discussing the surgery’s risks and benefits with your surgeon is essential to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your condition.

Common risks include:
- Loss of fixation bone
- Decrease in bone density
- Adverse reactions to a foreign body
- Loosening, bending, crackling, or fracture of the implants
- Migration of the implant
- Delayed or loss of correction
- Revision surgery
- Bursitis
Each patient’s situation is unique, requiring a thoughtful approach to treatment. If you have a bunion, arrange a consultation with our experienced podiatrists to identify the best surgical option for you.

Align. Integrate. Restore. Evolve.

Schedule a Consultation