IN SAFE HANDS
Oakland teenager undergoes finger-saving surgery at Chilton Children’s Center
On Saturday, January 27, 15-year-old Dominic Lorenzo was pumping
iron at the gym when he suffered a traumatic injury. During his
workout, a 45-pound dumbbell crushed and partially severed one
of his fingers, leaving the Oakland high school freshman stunned
and in excruciating pain as his father rushed him to Atlantic
Health System’s Chilton Medical Center.
i
“
had multiple things racing through my
mind,” says Dominic, who remained
calm but concerned about the impact of
potentially losing a finger. “I thought
about whether or not I’d be able to work
out, play the drums, or even take my
mid-terms at school. I worried about my
future.”
Choosing Chilton
Over the years, the Lorenzo family has
relied on Chilton for many health issues, from
broken bones to asthma attacks. “We’re equal-
ly close to two hospitals, but choose Chilton
because they not only provide excellent care,
but an extra level of compassion,” asserts
Dominic’s father, Matthew.
The emergency at hand was no exception,
prompting the family’s first visit to Chilton’s
Children’s Center, which opened last fall. As
the only one of its kind in northern New
Jersey, the new facility unites all pediatric
services in a family-friendly space featuring a
dedicated entrance, private emergency treat-
ment rooms, inpatient suites, and a team of
highly skilled doctors and nurses prepared for
any type of ch ildhood injury and illness.
Within minutes of arrival, Dominic was
evaluated by an emergency medicine physician
who recruited the expertise of Daniel
Seigerman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon spe-
cializing in hand and upper extremity surgery.
“Dr. Seigerman immediately gained our
confidence,” recalls Matthew. “He explained
the situation and acted quickly to save
Dom’s finger.”
surgery on the spot
“Dominic’s finger was literally crushed,
causing a complex laceration and bone frac-
ture,” notes Dr. Seigerman. “It’s important to
treat crush injuries expeditiously to preserve
blood supply and prevent longstanding
problems.”
With that in mind, Dr. Seigerman elected
to operate in the Children’s Center, which is
staffed and equipped for many procedures that
do not require general anesthesia. He numbed
Dominic’s hand with a local anesthetic before
cleaning the wound and reconstructing his
finger.
“Chilton allows us to deliver pediatric
care in one setting, from start to finish, which
provides a better experience for our patients,”
states Dr. Seigerman.
The Children’s Center certainly earned a
“thumbs up” from Dominic, who was notably
impressed. “Everyone was kind, reassuring and
supportive,” he says. “I felt safe and in good
hands.”
BaCk on traCk
Hours after surgery, Dominic was on his
way home and headed toward a complete recovery. “My wife and I are grateful that
our son received the best possible care and won’t have to live with an impairment,”
says Matthew.
The energetic teen is already back in the weight room, drumming and competing
on the high school track team. (He even rocked his mid-terms!)
“I wish the injury didn’t happen,” adds Dominic. “But since it did, I’m glad I
went to Chilton.” v
For more information about the Children’s Center at Chilton Medical Center,
visit atlantichealth.org/chilton.
Chilton Magazine summer 2018