Erich Gauger, MD
My specialties:
- Orthopedic surgery
Professional interests:
- Upper extremity trauma, from shoulder to fingertips
- Surgical and non-surgical treatment of disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow
- Rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis of upper extremity
- Complex elbow reconstruction
- Arthroscopy of the upper extremity
- Joint replacement of the upper extremity
- Wide awake surgery
- Targeted muscle reinervation
- Nerve repair and transfers
- Tendon repair and transfers
“Anatomic problems with anatomic solutions” was how a mentor in medical school described orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgery. That lecture immediately drew me towards orthopedic surgery and since that time I have dedicated my career to understanding the normal anatomy and function of the upper extremity and the disorders that lead to pain and dysfunction. As my training progressed, it became increasingly obvious there is significant variation in the normal anatomy of the upper extremity. Like the variation in anatomy, I have found the same clinical condition can present differently in each patient. I strive to listen and understand every patient’s unique concerns and formulate an individualized treatment plan. I would be honored to evaluate and address your hand and upper extremity needs.
Credentials
- MD
Board-certified specialties
- Orthopedic surgery
Personal interests
- Downhill skiing
- Hockey
- Travel
- Waterskiing
Educational institutions
- College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA; BA, Biology
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Internships
- McGraw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Residencies
- University of Minnesota, MN; Orthopedic surgery
Fellowships
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Hand/Upper Extremity
- University of Minnesota/Regions Hospital; Orthopedic Research Fellow
Hospital affiliations
- Mercy Hospital
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Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)