Haffenreffer, Mark, Md - Needham Orthopedic & Sports

In January of this year I had a traumatic fall while at work resulting in a fracture dislocation of my left shoulder. I also completely tore my rotator cuff in the process. After researching several doctors I chose to follow up with Dr. Eric Launer as he appeared to have respectable credentials unique to my area of injury. Dr. Launer was able to see me in a timely fashion and I had all my appropriate testing done. The MRI confirmed what he suspected and I was in surgery soon after. Because of the severity of my injury I had to stay overnight in the hospital. Dr. Launer spoke to my wife in detail after the surgery regarding his findings. He also checked in with me that evening and again the next morning. He was never rushed in his approach with me and answered all my questions. Dr. Launer kept a close watch on me during my recovery period. He saw me in the office, frequently at first, and then monthly. My physical therapy regime was adjusted as needed as I progressed. I am a forty- nine year old male who works a very physical job. I truly thought my job as I knew it was over. Thanks to Dr. Launer's expertise and caring nature I have returned to work full duty a month earlier than was expected. Dr. Launer had made a promise to me that he would give me my arm back. He did. How lucky am I to have chosen the right doctor?! - John X. Pladsen Needham,Ma. Pros: Caring, professional manner more

I went to Dr. Lerner, or Launer. I don't remember but one of those - it was a bit ago. \r \r I waited 45 minutes in the waiting room, and about 25 in the exam room. When he did come in he had obviously not read my chart because he grabbed at my hand to shake it when I was in for a broken wrist (right hand). Then he brought my xrays up, looked at them and said he kind of sees a fracture but he isn't sure so here is a splint type thing he'll check on me in 2 weeks. Okay, so my wrist has a bump on it, and it bruised disgustingly and he didn't even look at it. he pressed one spot and told me as long as that spot didn't hurt I was okay. \r \r I went for a second opinion since he spent all of 3 minutes with me. (It was seriously ridiculous how little he even looked at my xray) I ended up getting a cast and 2 weeks later I am still in pain. There ended up being a bone chipped and a fracture - both of which he neglected to see. I am in the cast for a total of 5 weeks, then a splint and then possible therapy. And this guy was going to send me home with a pat on the head, a lollipop and this flimsy splint. Didn't ask me about how painful it was -nothing. Completely brushed me off - probably because I am not a guy (sports injuries) or over 76 as most of the patients in there seem to be. It seems like the other doctors in there were good at what they did - they have all these awards in the office. So just don't book with him - I feel like I would have been in so much pain if I had listened to him because I am now and I am in a cast and can't hardly move. Pros: Umm. No idea. Cons: See review. more