A Child's Frightening Injury, Healed at Riverview
when a 4-year-old girl loses the use of her thumb, her parents find hope in the expertise of a reconstructive surgeon at riverview Medical Center.

Ayanna Velez's family was worried that a deep thumb cut would hurt her thumb's movement. Riverview made sure she got the care she needed. She is pictured at left with mom Jasmine, brother Joel Jr., and dad Joel.

What started as just another playdate at Grandma's house in 2008 turned into a very frightening day for 4-year-old Ayanna Velez of Perth Amboy. Looking for a new toy, Ayanna and her cousin grabbed two of her grandma's ceramic figurines and headed into another room to play. Minutes later, Ayanna's mom, Jasmine Velez, heard her daughter screaming in agony.

One of the figurines had broken, slicing Ayanna's hand severely. "I knew immediately that this was more than your usual nick or cut," says Jasmine. She took Ayanna to a local emergency care center where she was stitched up without a surgical consultation.

The doctors were unable to establish if the tendon had been cut, nor could they decipher the long-term effects of the injury. Jasmine took her daughter back home. In the following days, Ayanna gradually lost the use of her thumb.

Then Jasmine was referred to Asaad Samra, M.D., a cosmetic, reconstructive, and hand surgeon on staff at Riverview Medical Center. "On our first visit to Dr. Samra's office, we were confident in his ability to help our daughter," says Jasmine. "His demeanor and knowledge made us feel like we had found that doctor who could help restore her hand."

Then Jasmine was referred to Asaad Samra, M.D., a cosmetic, reconstructive, and hand surgeon on staff at Riverview Medical Center. "On our first visit to Dr. Samra's office, we were confident in his ability to help our daughter," says Jasmine. "His demeanor and knowledge made us feel like we had found that doctor who could help restore her hand."

On the day of the surgery, both mom and daughter were apprehensive. But the nurses and support staff at Riverview's Same-Day Surgery Unit were able to quell their fears. "Before surgery the nurses had Ayanna laughing, and they put me at ease while I waited for her," says Jasmine.

Surgery determined that the tendon was cut, and Dr. Samra repaired it. Within just a few weeks, Ayanna had regained full range of motion and use of her thumb. "Thanks to Dr. Samra and his team, it's as though the injury never happened," says Jasmine.

– Sara Scipioni

About The Doctor

Samra, Asaad, M.D. Board certified in Plastic Surgery Holmdel, NJ  07733 (732) 739-2100