In early March 2015, at the age of 61, I was involved in a skiing accident in Keystone, CO. My right clavicle was fractured into 5 pieces, my dominant side. A trauma surgeon repaired my shoulder with a six inch blade and 13 screws. Unfortunately, the repair started to fail within 6 weeks and the fragments and hardware began to separate causing severe pain and restriction of my shoulder function. In my home state of NJ, I got two very different treatment choices. One doctor chose to just let it heal as best as possible and another doctor chose to redo the surgical repair with two or more separate procedures. I am a specialist in the field of Children's Dentistry and could not be absent from my practice for 3-6 months, it would mean the end of my solo practice. I contacted HSS and was given Dr. Samuel A. Taylor's name for consultation. I sent my records, CT Scan and copies of Radiographs to his office with a letter of my story. He said he would be happy to examine me and give his opinion. Dr. Taylor chose to allow my shoulder to heal for 3 months and scheduled the surgical repair and modification of my shoulder as well as the surgical removal of the failed hardware 10-29-15. After 8 weeks, I was allowed to go back to my normal activities which included skiing and I lost very little time from my practice. I have since regained all of my normal strength and function of my shoulder. Most importantly I can still practice my life's passion of Children's Dentistry and when I find the time, I love to enjoy the outdoors where I fish, hunt and love to ski. I am extremely grateful for Dr. Taylor's surgical expertise as well as his professional sensitivity and courtesy for my professional situation. I am Back in the Game because of Dr. Samuel A. Taylor. I highly recommend his services and staff as well as the HSS facilities in both NYC (surgery) and Stamford, CT (pre and post op)
Philip J. Pistolas DDS
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