I am a general Orthopaedic Surgeon with an additional Fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. My practice is mainly focused on the problems of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder (upper extremity). I specialize in the treatment of acute and chronic problems in both adults and children. Some of the most common injuries I see include simple and complex fractures and broken bones from the finger tip to the shoulder, sprains and contusions of muscles and bones, superficial and deep lacerations, nerve compression problems, and tendon and ligament injuries. I routinely operate on bones, arthritic joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Surgical procedures that I regularly perform include: Carpal tunnel release Trigger finger release ORIF or surgical stabilization of broken bones (involves putting plates and screws in to hold the bones together) Arthroscopic surgery (minimally invasive surgery) Tendon releases, including DeQuervain's tendinitis Shoulder replacement surgery (both total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement) Some common office procedures that I perform are: Resetting broken bones Casting Steroid injections to treat a wide array of tendon problems, including trigger finger, DeQuervain's tendinitis, and tennis elbow Steroid injections to alleviate arthritic pain, especially at the base of the thumb My approach to patient care is based strongly on current evidence-based medicine guidelines, and it is individualized for each patient. This includes, taking into account the specific needs of each patient and the requirements of ones profession and athletic activities. My goal is to provide optimal pain management and long term solutions, and I always start with the least invasive measures (activity modification, bracing, medication, and sometimes steroid shots). These modalities are often highly effective and surgery is not frequently needed for successful treatment. Surgery is reserved for those cases where conservative management has failed. I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about the nature of the problem, the prognosis, and the pros and cons of the different treatment options. I empower them to become active in the decision making process of their treatment. My patients and I work together on developing a treatment plan which works best, and our relationship continues until the problem is resolved. My patients are always welcome to come back at any time, or to call with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Brian Thomas Zafonte, MD
- Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- 17 years of experience
- Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital 800 Tilghman Dr, Dunn, NC 28334
- (910) 892-7161
Brief Intro
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Education Background
RESIDENCY
Montefiore Medical Center
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine - 2011
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine Of Yeshiva University - 2008
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Location & Hours
- Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital
- 800 Tilghman Dr, Dunn, NC 28334
Specialties Treated
- Hand Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Conditions Addressed
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Fractures, Dislocations, Derangement, and Sprains
- Rotator cuff syndrome
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Procedures Performed
- Neurological Testing
- Shoulder Surgery
- Hip Replacement
- Hip/Femur Fractures and Dislocations
- Carpal Tunnel Decompression
- Carpal Tunnel Decompression
- Lower Arm/Elbow/Wrist Fractures and Dislocations
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Evaluation
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Lower Leg/Ankle Fractures and Dislocations
- Lower Leg/Ankle Fractures and Dislocations
- Hip/Femur Fractures and Dislocations
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Insurance Accepted
* Insurance information may change frequently. Please verify directly with the provider (doctor/clinic).
- EmblemHealth
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CHAMPVA
- Progressive
- Medicare
- Humana
- Fidelis Care (NY)
- HealthFirst (NY)
- Transamerica
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Kaiser Permanente
- MVP Health Care
- Tricare
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NC Hospitals by Specialty
- Cancer 22
- Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery 20
- Orthopedics 43
- Neurology & Neurosurgery 29
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery 39
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery 48
- Diabetes & Endocrinology 22
- Children's Hospital 8
- Urology 37
- Psychiatry 40
- Geriatrics 41
- Rehabilitation 22
- Obsterics & Gynecology 8
- Ophthalmology 1
- Ear, Nose & Throat 5
- Rheumatology 2
- Long Term Care 7
- Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) 36