Cape doctors' group demonstrates it still cares about patients

Orthopaedic Associates is the largest, most comprehensive orthopaedic care group in the region, offering cutting-edge care that otherwise would be available only in large metropolitan areas.

However, that doesn't mean the practice neglects the important doctor/patient relationship.

Orthopaedic Associates administrator Tom Weber understands why those important relationships are hard to maintain.

"Doctors are stressed more and more to see more patients," he said. "And technology can sterilize those relationships."

Even with that pressure, the physicians at Orthopaedic Associates place priority on the relationships they have with each of their patients.

Orthopaedic Associates physicians have dedicated themselves to bringing new technology and state-of-the-art medical care to Cape Girardeau. The practice provides care for a variety of problems and needs including sports injuries, sprains and strains, fractures, spine and neck care, workers' compensation injuries, disability evaluations and insurance evaluations.

Orthopaedic Associates has been providing care in Cape Girardeau since 1934. The practice began as the Cape Surgical Group. In the 1940s and 1950s, Dr. Frank Hall and Dr. R.A. Ritter Sr. took care of local industrial workers. Ritter also cared for fractures and trauma problems. Around 1950 Dr. Tom Otto joined the group and became the first fully trained orthopaedic surgeon in the area. In 1970, Dr. R.A. Ritter Jr. joined the group, allowing for full-time orthopaedic care.

Over the years the clinic has gone through various name changes and physician associations. Today Orthopaedic Associates employs eight orthopaedic surgeons, a psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, three physician assistants and a professional support staff of more than 60 employees.

As new orthopaedic specialists have joined the group over the years, the practice has been able to offer the newest procedures and technology, such as major joint replacements, minimally invasive surgery, reconstructive hand surgery, arthroscopic surgery using television monitors and digital computer imaging that allows specialists to view x-rays moments after they are taken.

Orthopaedic Associates also has a Sports Medicine Center that allows each patient to develop a personalized rehabilitation program. The practice even offers advice on its Web site on when to seek a doctor and how to reduce swelling of injuries when a doctor's visit isn't necessary.

Another important service of Orthopaedic Associates is the Hand Center. The center specializes in the rehabilitation of patients on an outpatient basis. The certified hand therapists at the center treat patients who have problems or symptoms such as arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, fractures, joint replacements, tendinitis and weakness or paralysis.

To become a hand therapist, an occupational or physical therapist must complete advance study, earn experience and pass an exam. The therapy offered by certified hand therapists can include management of open wounds, exercise programs, splint fabrication and training in the performance of daily life skills to help patients return to their everyday lives.

In the future Orthopaedic Associates plans to introduce more physician specialists to expand the range of services provided and assure that Orthopaedic Associates continues to offer comprehensive orthopaedic care to the region.

Orthopaedic Associates is proud to have maintained a high overall patient satisfaction rating. The rating is determined by random phone interviews with patients. The surgeons of Orthopaedic Associates have also been recognized several years in a row as top in the nation for orthopaedic surgical procedure outcomes.

The main office of Orthopaedic Associates is at 48 Doctors' Park in Cape Girardeau.

Additional treatment centers are located throughout the area. In Perryville, Mo., Dr. William Kapp is available Thursday afternoons and Dr. August Ritter is available Wednesday mornings at Perry County Memorial Hospital. In Sikeston, Mo., Dr. Rickey Lents practices Tuesday mornings and Dr. Patrick Knight practices Wednesday mornings at Missouri Delta Medical Center Express Care. Dr. Brian Schafer and Dr. Patrick Knight practice in Poplar Bluff, Mo., at Three Rivers Healthcare-North Campus.

Orthopaedic Associates also serves in Illinois. Dr. William Thorpe is available Wednesday mornings at the Regional Medical Services Building in Carterville.

More information about Orthopaedic Associates can be found at www.ortho48.com or by calling 335-7040 or (800) 321-3167.