MU Orthopaedics at Liberty Hospital

Upper extremity/microvascular surgery

Hand and wrist problems can be caused by arthritis, sports injuries, work injuries, nerve injuries, and overuse or repetitive motion, while shoulder or elbow pain may be the result of arthritis, repetitive joint motion, sports injuries, and lifting heavy objects. Common conditions include:

• Arthritis.
• Carpal tunnel.
• Tendon injuries.
• Radial tunnel fractures.
• Tendinitis.
• Pitcher's, golfer's or tennis elbow.
• Rotator cuff.
• Shoulder dislocations.

Upper extremity specialists:

Andrew Taiber, MD, Hand/wrist/elbow
Dr. Taiber offers both surgical and non-surgical options, and develops individualized treatment plans to help patients reach their goals. He uses advanced treatments to treat acute and chronic pain. Some of the common conditions and injuries he sees include carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, arthritis of the hand and wrist, as well as traumatic injuries to the hand, wrist and elbow. Dr. Taiber earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a fellowship in hand and upper extremity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Chris Reams, MD, Shoulder/elbow
Dr. Reams uses the advanced technology of ExactechGPS for shoulder replacement surgery. This enables him to better understand each patient’s anatomy and create a customized surgical plan on a virtual model prior to surgery. During surgery, this plan is implemented with the assistance of computer navigation to allow for more accurate and consistent implant placement. A native of Kansas City, Dr. Reams earned his medical degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City, and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital and Clinics. In addition, Dr. Reams completed a fellowship in shoulder and elbow at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Lower extremity

• Knee/ankle/foot arthritis
• Fractures (hip/knee/ankle/foot)
• Tendon and ligament injuries of the leg/foot/ankle
• Meniscus tears of the knee
• Flatfoot deformities
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Ankle and knee arthroscopy and replacements
• Foot and ankle fusions

Foot/ankle/lower extremity specialist:

L. Nathan Gause, MD, is the newest member of the physician team at MU Orthopaedics at Liberty Hospital. Fellowship trained in foot and ankle, Dr. Gause specializes in comprehensive care of the lower extremity, including the hip, knee, ankle and foot. He has special interests in ankle and knee replacement, sports injuries, flat foot and bunion correction, arthroscopy and lower extremity post-traumatic reconstruction.

“I want to help patients get back to living more normally again. I personally understand that orthopaedic problems can be very disabling and recovery can be extensive. Optimal function requires precise interaction between all of the joints of the lower extremity. I am dedicated to finding the root of the problem and working to get patients back to the quality of life they desire.”

Dr. Gause says that patient education is a critical part of his practice.

“This is why I will take the time to explain condition and treatment options in a caring and compassionate manner. Whenever possible, I will emphasize non-operative measures prior to recommending surgery.

Dr. Gause completed a foot and ankle fellowship at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Cincinnati. He is a medical graduate from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Sports medicine

• Achilles tendinitis and tendon tears.
• ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL tears of the knee ligaments.
• Dislocations.
• Fractures.
• Hamstring injuries.
• Meniscus (knee cartilage) tears.
• Rotator cuff tears.
• Shoulder impingement.
• Shoulder instability.

Total joint reconstruction

Our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons are experienced in the most advanced types of hip, knee, and shoulder total joint replacement methods, also called arthroplasty. Osteoarthritis is the most common condition that leads to the need for total joint replacement of the knee, shoulder, and hip. Sometimes injuries can hasten the process of cartilage degeneration, which causes the painful bone-on-bone rubbing that characterizes arthritis. Depending on your condition, we may recommend one of the following total joint reconstruction procedures:

• Total or partial knee replacement.
• Total or reverse shoulder replacement.
• Total hip replacement.
• Anterior minimally invasive hip replacement.
• MAKO robotic arm-assisted surgery.

Trauma

Though bones are the hardest tissues in your body, an excess of pressure or force can break (fracture) them. Fractures can range from hairline cracks, which may be treated by splinting or casting, to more complex fractures with multiple breaks, which may require surgery to help in the healing process.

Our surgeons are affiliated with Liberty Hospital's Level II Trauma Center, which means we are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive orthopaedic care for traumatic injuries such as broken bones, pelvic fractures, compound fractures, and other types of fractures.

Depending upon the location and severity of your fracture, our comprehensive orthopaedic trauma care includes:

• Nonsurgical treatment including braces, splints, and casts to stabilize the fracture
• Minor surgery using pins, plates, wires, and/or screws to stabilize the bone
• Complex surgery including bone grafting, reconstruction, and limb lengthening for severe injuries

Our team also includes a post-fracture care and recovery plan to help restore your area of injury to its original condition and prevent stiffness and atrophy of the joints, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the fractured area.