Willie – Emergency/Orthopaedic Care

A fall off his brother’s dirt bike brought Willie to the emergency room at Riverwood Healthcare Center. The diagnosis was a dislocated left elbow.

The emergency physician, Dr. Jeff Ehnstrom, consulted with Dr. Erik Severson, the orthopaedic surgeon on call, on putting Willie’s elbow back into the socket. Willie was put under anesthesia while Dr. Ehnstrom performed this procedure.

“The entire 3-hour care process went quickly, and before we knew it, Willie was waking up and in a splint,” says Rachelle Glunz, Willie’s mother.  “Dr. Ehnstrom’s empathy and care during the whole process put us all at ease.”

During a follow-up appointment with Dr. Susan Moen, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and elbow care, new x-rays showed the knob of Willie’s elbow had come off during his accident and required surgery to repair it.

Rachelle added: “Before and after the surgery, Dr. Moen took the time to answer all of our questions and to make sure Willie and my husband, Chris, and I understood everything. All went according to plan and Willie came out of surgery with a screw to hold the knob onto his elbow and a cast.”

“We had a bad thing happen to our boy, but the care and attention he has received has made it easier for all of us. From the emergency room to orthopaedic surgery and physical therapy, everyone we came in contact was so caring; they made us feel like Willie was their only patient.”

Dr. Ehnstrom commented: “As an emergency care physician, I truly appreciate the excellent support we receive from our orthopaedic partners. The expertise of our ER nurses and nurse anesthetist during Willie’s elbow relocation procedure also contributed to the quality of his care and positive patient experience.”

 

 

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