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Peter Althausen, MD

  • Specialities

    Trauma, Pelvis & Acetabular Fractures, Periarticular Fractures & Complex Polytraumatic Injuries

  • Fellowship

    Orthopedic Trauma - Carolinas Medical Center

  • Residency

    University of California, Davis Medical Center

  • Medical School

    Tufts University School of Medicine

  • Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

About Peter Althausen, MD

Dr. Peter Althausen received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. While in medical school, he also obtained an MBA in healthcare administration from the same institution. His orthopedic residency was completed at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. After residency, Dr. Althausen completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He has been practicing at the Reno Orthopedic Center since 2005.

Subspecialty trained in trauma, he focuses on both pediatric and adult fracture care. His areas of special interest include pelvis and acetabular fractures, periarticular fractures, and complex polytraumatic injuries.

Dr. Peter Althausen remains committed to teaching and research. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine where he teaches and mentors both medical and college students. Dr. Althausen presents annually at multiple national meetings and routinely teaches the latest techniques in fracture care to physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel. He has published over 75 scientific articles and textbook chapters concerning many aspects of orthopedic trauma care.

In 2018 he received the Orthopedic Trauma Association/American Fracture Association Community Trauma Achievement Award and currently serves as the Director of Orthopedic Trauma at Renown Regional Medical Center. Dr. Althausen is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Awards

  • Healthgrades Honor Roll (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

    For quality patient care from Healthgrades.com

  • Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018)

    Compassionate Doctor certification is granted to physicians who treat their patients with the utmost kindness. The honor is granted based on a physician's overall and bedside manner scores.

  • OTA/AFA Community Trauma Achievement Award (2018)

  • Patient's Choice Award (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018)

    For quality patient care from Vitals.com

  • Vitals On-Time Doctor Award (2016, 2018)

    Vitals On-Time + Promptness Award recognizes doctors with consistent high ratings for timeliness of appointments. The honor is granted based on a physician's overall and promptness scores.

  • Outstanding Community Professor Award (2016)

    For teaching medical students at University of Nevada, Reno

  • Vitals Patients' Choice Award (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018)

    Patients' Choice recognition reflects the difference a particular physician has made in the lives of his/her patients. The honor is bestowed to physicians who have received near perfect scores, as voted by patients.

  • Vitals Top 10 Doctor - City (2014)

    Top 10 Doctors are chosen by the millions of patients who visit Vitals each year to find a new doctor and share their experiences by providing ratings and reviews. In order to differentiate highly-regarded doctors from the rest for patients in search of quality care, Vitals awards Top 10 Doctor honors to those physicians within a certain specialty and geographic area who are consistently given top ratings by their patients.

  • Vitals Top 10 Doctor - Neighborhood (2014)

    Top 10 Doctors are chosen by the millions of patients who visit Vitals each year to find a new doctor and share their experiences by providing ratings and reviews. In order to differentiate highly-regarded doctors from the rest for patients in search of quality care, Vitals awards Top 10 Doctor honors to those physicians within a certain specialty and geographic area who are consistently given top ratings by their patients.

  • University of Nevada School of Medicine Award of Excellence (2011)

    For commitment of time, support, and inspiration to students.

Publications

  • Flinn, D, Gurnea, TP, Gonzalez, MA, Dobrich, J, Shul, CP, Althausen, PL. High Value Tibial Nail Utilization Improves Cost without compromising outcomes: Experience at a Level II Trauma Center. J Ortho Experience & Innovation, September 2021.

  • Bulstra AEJ, Crijns TJ, Janssen SJ, Buijze GA, Ring D, Jaarsma RL, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Obdeijn MC, Doornberg JN; Science of Variation Group. Factors Associated with surgeon recommendation for additional cast immobilization on a CT-verified nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Jul 24. 

  • Gurnea, TP, Althausen, PL, Flinn, D. The Financial Impact of then Surgical Treatment of Infection on the Practice of Orthopedic Trauma. J Ortho Business. July 2021 1(1): 1-3.

  • Althausen, PL. Invited Commentary on: Declining Medicare Reimbursement in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery 2000-2020. J Orthop Trauma. 2021 Feb 1;35(2):85-86.

  • Gurnea, TP, Gonzalez, MA, Turner, AR, Moody, AE, Althausen, PL. Incidence of SacroIliac Screw Implant Pain and Results of Screw Removal. J Ortho Experience & Innovation, November 2020.

  • Kain MS, Saper D, Lybrand K, Bramlett KJ, Tornetta Iii P, Althausen P, Garfi JS, Willier Iii DP, Niu R, Marcantonio AJ. Postoperative Complications of Hip Fractures Patients on Chronic Coumadin: A Comparison Based on Operative International Normalized Ratio. Geriatrics (Basel). 2020 Jul 15;5(3):E43

  • Gurnea, TP, Neilsen, RC, Althausen, PL. The Use of Proximal Humerus Locking Plates for Fixation of Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures: Technical Trick. J Orthop Trauma. 2020 Sep;34(9):e312-e315

  • Moody AE, Gurnea TP, Shul CP, Althausen PL. The True Cost of Operating Room Time: Implications for an Orthopaedic Trauma Service. J Orthop Trauma. 2020 May;34(5):271-275.

  • Althausen, PL, Lybrand, KE. The Role of Business Education in the Orthopaedic Curriculum. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018 Oct;49(4):445-453.

  • Lybrand, KE, Althausen, PL. The Role of Value Based Implants in Orthpaedic Trauma. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018 Oct;49(4):437-443.

  • Crijns TJ, Janssen SJ, Davis JT, Ring D, Sanchez HB; Science of Variation Group. Reliability of the classification of proximal femur fractures: Does clinical experience matter? Injury. 2018 Apr;49(4):819-823.

  • Crijns TJ, Janssen SJ, Davis JT, Ring D, Sanchez HB; Science of Variation Group. Reliability of the classification of proximal femur fractures: Does clinical experience matter? Injury. 2018 Apr;49(4):819-823.

  • Wasterlain AS, Melamed E, Bello R, Karia R, Capo JT; Science of Variation Group. The Effect of Price on Surgeons' Choice of Implants: A Randomized Controlled Survey. J Hand Surg Am. 2017 Aug;42(8):593-601.

  • Mellema JJ, Mallee WH, Guitton TG, van Dijk CN, Ring D, Doornberg JN; Science of Variation Group & Trauma Platform Study Collaborative. Online Studies on Variation in Orthopedic Surgery: Computed Tomography in MPEG4 Versus DICOM Format. J Digit Imaging. 2017 Jan 24.

  • Bray, TJ, Althausen, PL. Current State of Health Care Economics, Expenditures and our Moral Obligation to Cost Containment. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S1-S2.

  • Mellema, JJ, Doornberg, JN, Molenaars, RJ, Ring, D, Kloen, P; Traumaplatform Study Collaborative & Science of Variation Group. Interobserver reliability of the Schatzker and Luo classification systems for tibial plateau fractures. Injury. 2016 Jan 2. pii: S0020-1383(15)00843-8

  • Moody, AE, Moody, CE, Althausen, PL. Cost Savings Opportunities in the Perioperative Management of the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S7-S14.

  • Gurnea, TP, Frye, WP, Althausen, PL. Operating Room Supply Costs in Orthopaedic Trauma: Cost Containment Opportunities. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S21-S26

  • Walker, JA, Althausen, PL. Surgeon Attitudes Regarding the Use of Generic Implants: An OTA Survey Study. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S27-S31.

  • McBride, C, Althausen, PL. Co-Management and Gainsharing Opportunities for Independent Physicians. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S45-S49

  • Althausen, PL, Lapham, J, Mead, L. The Financial Impact of Dual Vendor, Matrix Pricing and Sole Source Contracting on Implant Costs. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S37-S39

  • Althausen, P.L., Althausen, A.F., Jennings, L.C., & Mankin, H.J.: Prognostic factors and treatment of osseous metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma. Cancer, 1997;80(6): 1103-1110.

  • Anderson, TJ, Althausen, PL. The Role of Dedicated Musculoskeletal Urgent Care Centers in Reducing Cost and Improving Access to Orthopaedic Care. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S3-S6

  • Claessen FM, Stoop N, Doornberg JN, Guitton TG, van den Bekerom MP, Ring D; Science of Variation Group. Interpretation of Post-operative Distal Humerus Radiographs After Internal Fixation: Prediction of Later Loss of Fixation. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Oct;41(10):e337-e341.

  • De Giacomo AF, Tornetta P 3rd, Sinicrope BJ, Cronin PK, Althausen PL, Bray TJ, Kain MS, Marcantonio A, Sagi C, James CR. Outcomes after plating of olecranon fractures: A multicenter evaluation. Injury. Injury. 2016 Jul;47(7):1466-71.

  • Janssen, SJ, Teunis, T, Guitton, TG, Ring, D; Science of Variation Group. Do Surgeons Treat Their Patients Like They Would Treat Themselves? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Nov;473(11):3564-72.

  • Hill, AD, Catapano, JS, Surina, JB, Lu, M, & Althausen, PL. Clinical and Economic Impact of Duplicated Radiographic Studies in Trauma Patients Transferred to a Regional Trauma Center. J Orthop Trauma, 2015 Jul;29(7):e214-8.

  • Althausen, PL, Mead L. Bundled Payments for Care Improvement(BPCI):Lesssons Learned in the First Year. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec;30 Suppl 5:S50-S53

  • Althausen, P.L. Invited commentary related to: A cost analysis of internal fixation versus nonoperative treatment in adult midshaft clavicle fractures using multiple randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Trauma. 2015 Apr;29(4):180-1.

  • Walker, J.A., Althausen, P.L. Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Treatment of Flail Chest Injuries. Mckee, MD, Schemitsch, EH. Injuries to the Chest Wall. New York, Springer. 2015. Pages 119-130.

  • Mellema, J.J., Doornberg, J..N, Guitton, T.G., Ring, D.; Science of Variation Group. Biomechanical studies: science (f)or common sense? Injury. 2014 Dec;45(12):2035-9.

  • Althausen, P.L., Lu, M., Thomas, K., Shannon, S.F., Biagi, B.N., & Boyden, E.M. Implant Standardization for Hemiarthroplasty: Implementation of a Pricing Matrix System at a Level II Community Based Trauma System. Journal of Arthroplasty. 2013 August 14.

  • Althausen, P.L., Kauk, J.R., Shannon, S., Lu, M., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Operating Room Efficiency: Benefits of an Orthopaedic Traumatologist at a Level II Trauma Center. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2013 July 28.

  • Althausen, P.L., Shannon, S., Boyden, E.M., Thomas, K., Lu, M., Coll, D., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Implant Standardization for Hemiarthroplasty: Implementation of a Pricing Matrix System at a Level II Community Based Trauma System. Accepted pending revision to Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 2012.

  • Althausen, P.L., Shannon, S., Coll, D., Cvitash, M., Owens, B., Lu, M., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Impact of Hospital Employed Physician Assistants on a Level II, Community-based Orthopaedic Trauma System. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 2012 June 22.

  • Althausen, P.L. Payer Status and Increased Distance Traveled for Fracture Care in Rural State: Invited Commentary. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2012 May 10.

  • Althausen, P.L. Factors influencing revenue from management of pelvis and acetabulum fractures: Invited Commentary. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2012 Aug. 21.

  • Althausen, P.L., Shannon, S., Lu, M., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Clinical and Financial Comparison of Operative and Non-Operative Treatment of Displaced Clavicle Fractures. Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, 2012 Sept. 7.

  • Althausen, P.L. Building a successful trauma practice in a community setting. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2011 Dec;25 Suppl:S113-7.

  • Althausen, P.L., Shannon, S., Watts, C., Thomas, K., Bain, M.A., Coll, D., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Early Surgical Stabilization of Flail Chest With Locked Plate Fixation. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2011 Nov;25(11):641-647.

  • Ziran, B., Bray, T.J., Kane, S.M., O'Mara, T., & Althausen, P.L. Delivery of Orthopaedic Trauma Care. Schmidt, A.H. and Teague, D.C. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Trauma4. AAOS, September 2010.

  • Althausen, P.L., Davis, L., Boyden, E.M., O'Mara, T.J., Uppal, R., & Bray, T.J. Financial impact of a dedicated orthopaedic traumatologist on a private group practice. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2010 Jun;24(6):350-4.

  • Hak, D.J., Althausen, P.L., & Hazelwood, S.J. Locked plate fixation of osteoporotic humeral shaft fractures: are two locking screws per segment enough? Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2010 Apr;24(4):207-11.

  • Harris, A.M., Althausen, P.L., Kellam, J., Bosse, M.J., Castillo, R., & The Lower Extremity Assessment Project (LEAP) Study Group. Complications Following Limb-Threatening Lower Extremity Trauma. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2009 Jan;23(1):1-7.

  • Althausen, P.L., Coll, D., Cvitash, M., Herak, A., O'Mara, T.J., & Bray, T.J. Economic Viability of a Community-Based Level-II Orthopaedic Trauma System. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91:227-235.

  • Harris, A.M., Althausen, P.L., Kellam, J.F., and Bosse, M.J. Simultaneous anterior and posterior approaches for complex acetabular fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2008 Aug;22(7):494-7.

  • Large, T.M., Kellam, J.F., Bosse, M.J., Sims, S.H., Althausen, P.L., & Masonis, J.L. Locked Plating of Supracondylar Periprosthetic Femur Fractures. Journal of Arthroplasty. 2008 Sept; 23 (6 Suppl 1): 115-20. Epub 2008 Jul 9.

  • Bray, T.J., Althausen, P.L., & O'Mara, T. Growth and Development of the Northern Nevada Orthopaedic Trauma System (NOTP) 1994-2007. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery Am. 2008 Apr; 90(4):909-14.

  • Semenov, S., Kellam, J., Althausen P.L., Williams, T., Abubakar, A., Bulyshev, A., & Sizov, Y. Microwave tomography for functional imaging of extremity soft tissues: feasibility assessment. Phys. Med. Biol, 2007; 52: 5705-5719, 2007.

  • Moehring, D., Althausen, P.L., & Lindholm, S.R. Technique for Removal of Cannulated Screws. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 2004;19:280-281.

  • Althausen, P.L. & Szabo, R.M. Coverage of Distal Radius Internal Fixation and Wrist Fusion Devices with AlloDerm. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, 2004;8(4):266-268.

  • Althausen, P.L., Lee, M.A., & Finkemeier, C.G. Scapulothoracic Dissociation: Diagnosis and Treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2003;416:237-244.

  • Althausen, P.L., Lee, M.A., Finkemeier, C.G., Rodrigo, J.J., & Meehan, J.P. Operative Stabilization of Supracondylar Femur Fractures Above Total Knee Arthroplasty: a comparison of four treatment methods. Journal of Arthroplasty, 2003;18(7):834-9.

  • Christensen, C.P., McCarthy, J.C., Mittleman, M.A., Althausen, P.L., & Lee, J.A. Outcomes. In McCarthy, J.C., (Ed.) Early Hip Disorders: Advances in Detection and Minimally Invasive Management. New York, Springer-Verlag, 2003:195-200.

  • Salamon, M.L., Althausen, P.L., Gupta, M.C., & Laubach, J. The Effects of BMP-7 in a Rat Posterolateral Intertranseverse Process Fusion Model. Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques, 2003;16(1):90-95.

  • Christensen, C.P., Althausen, P.L., Mittleman, M.A., Lee, J.A., & McCarthy, J.C. The Nonarthritic Hip Score: Reliable and Validated. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2003; 406:75-83. 2002.

  • Althausen, P.L., Neiman, R., Olson, S.A., & Finkemeier, C.F. Incision Placement in Intramedullary Tibial Nailing: An Anatomic Study. Journal Orthopaedic Trauma, 2002; 16(10):687-90.

  • Althausen, P.L., Schneider, P.D., Bold, R.J., Gupta, M.C., Goodnight, J.E., & Khatri, V.P. Multimodality Management of a Giant Cell Tumor Arising from the Proximal Sacrum. Spine, 2002; 27(15):E361-65.

  • Althausen, P.L. & Hak, D.K. Lower Extremity Traction Pins: Indications, Technique, and Complications. American Journal of Orthopaedics, 2002;31(1):43-47.

  • Bains, R., Althausen, P.L., Gitlin, G.G., Gupta, M.C., & Benson D.R. The Role of Acute Decompression and Restoration of Spinal Alignment in the Prevention of Post Traumatic Syringomyelia: Case Report and Review of Recent Literature. Spine, 2001; 26(17): 399-402.

  • Althausen, P.L., Gupta, M.C., Benson, D.R., & Jones, D.A. The Use of Neostigmine to Treat Postoperative Illeus in Orthopaedic Spinal Patients. Journal of Spinal Disorders, 2001;14(6):541-5.

"I met Dr. Althausen under the worst of conditions after being care flighted to Renown trauma center. I can't tell you how lucky I was that he was on call that night. I lost three and a half fingers on my dominant hand and he was able to save most of my index finger and a portion of my middle finger. I am so thankful for the excellent job he did that words fall short. He is one of the nicest human beings I've ever met. His entire team at both the Reno and Carson City ROC clinics are wonderful. They always make you feel welcome and are extremely professional. I hope you never find yourself in need of their services, but if you do, you won't find a more compassionate and competent person than Dr. Althausen. I can't thank him enough for what he's done for me. I have a long road to recovery in front of me but thanks to him, I have the best possible chances. Thanks Doc!"

Anonymous

"I was involved in a traumatic fireworks accident and was care flighted to Renown where Dr. Althausen was on call. I can only say that the surgery he performed on reconstructing what was left of four of my ten fingers was nothing short of impeccable to me!! The only complaint I have is how sad I am because of being sent to a different surgeon for a second opinion, and not being able to return to Dr. Althausen for my continued care!! His office staff and care team were the best I have ever experienced, and I have missed them so much! I can only thank God that I was blessed to spend the time with them that I did."

Anonymous

"Dr. Althausen reassembled me after a very traumatic head on collision. In what I thought would be impossible, he not only saved my life, but saved my leg as well. I'm almost fully healed now and I owe him my life. You would be lucky to have him as a doctor. Truly the best. If you read this Pete, my bone grew back finally!"

Anonymous

Physician Assistants