Michael Saper, DO, FAOAO, FAAOS, ATC, CSCS

Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Fracture Program

On staff since March 2017

Academic Title: Assistant Professor

Research Center: Center for Clinical and Translational Research

"Every young athlete has unique needs and goals. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, I am dedicated to understanding what those specific needs and desires are so that I can provide evidence-based, yet personal and holistic treatment options for my patients and their families."

• Biography

  Michael G. Saper, FAOAO, FAAOS, DO, ATC, CSCS is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in arthroscopic surgery and the treatment of sports-related injuries. He did additional fellowship training in pediatric orthopedic surgery. He is an Assistant Professor in the University of Washington School of Medicine's Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

  Dr. Saper earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy at University of California, Berkeley. While there, he served as an intern in Athletic Training with extensive experience working with collegiate football, gymnastics, and baseball teams. He then served as Head Certified Athletic Trainer for a local high school in Phoenix, AZ where he realized his passion for pediatric and adolescent sports medicine. He received his medical degree at A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. As a medical student, he also obtained his certification as a strength and conditioning specialist.

  He performed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in Lansing, MI. He then completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL. As a fellow, Dr. Saper worked side-by-side with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The fellowship provided Dr. Saper with intensive exposure to non-operative and operative musculoskeletal care of professional, collegiate, and adolescent athletes. His team physician experience included coverage of Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and University of West Florida football and athletics, Tampa Bay Rays spring training, and local high schools.

  Following his sports medicine training, Dr. Saper completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Nemours Children's Specialty Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a fellow, he received sub-specialty training in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine and trauma.

  Dr. Saper has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented this research at numerous national and regional meetings. He has received a number of awards related to his research and academic pursuits.

  When surgery is necessary, Dr. Saper often utilizes cutting-edge, minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques. This approach reduces post-operative recovery time and allows an early return to sport and play. Dr. Saper's surgical interests include arthroscopic and open treatment of knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. In addition, he has particular interests in ACL injuries, shoulder instability, patellofemoral dysfunction, and injuries of the young throwing elbow.

  Dr. Saper is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society.

  A native of Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Saper resides in Seattle, WA. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, outdoor recreational activities, and spending time with family and friends.
• Patient Testimonials
  • Kristin North Bend, WA 07.29.22

    We were referred to Dr. Saper after dealing with a stubborn case of OCD in our 11 year old daughter's knee. Dr. Saper recommended and performed surgery in July of 2020. This led to a complete recovery and returned our daughter to full participation in competitive sports. Dr. Saper always took time with us to explain each step and had a wonderful bedside manner with our daughter. We are so grateful that the injury is healed and our daughter can return to her normal life. We highly recommend Dr. Saper.

  • Oscar Seattle WA 07.12.21

    Dr. Saper sliced my knee open and turned part of my quad into a new ACL which amazes me to this day. He answered every question I had with a casual certainty and he always gave me concise advice which I greatly appreciated. My knee healed ahead of schedule and the surgery and PT process went better than I ever could have expected and I credit most of this to Dr. Saper's amazingly attentive work. Thank you main man!

  • Nikki Seattle Wa 08.28.20

    Thank you for who you are and for the brilliant surgeon you are." "First and foremost, thank you for making my daughter feel so much better." "Thanks for your good care and concern...Your manner' put Kayla at ease and helped her gain confidence. I also thank you all the nurses and staff for the best ever care we have.

  • anthony tacoma,wa 12.12.18

    dr saper was amazingly in every area a very skilled doctor will an excellent , beside manner afterwards , i could write a full essay on this doctor on how he , explained everything from the start to the final which was surgery , i am so impressed i am writing to the hospital admin team for having such a talented caring doctotr on staff...blessings to dr saper and we love him and the job he did and taking very considerate time with us!

  • Spring Ephrata, WA 05.16.18

    We have had nothing but amazing service and care with Dr. Saper and his team. Most of my questions are answered before having to ask them and I've never been made to feel silly over the ones that I do have to ask. We will definitely be coming back for any future issues/injuries!

  • Annalise Edmonds, wa 02.19.18

    Dr.Saper was overall a great doctor. He was always truly concerned about my overall health. He told me everything that was going on. He informed me about all the possible side effects. He definitely knew what he was doing. I had a very positive experience with him

  Recommend Michael Saper, DO, FAOAO, FAAOS, ATC, CSCS
• Awards and Honors

  Award Name	Award Description	Awarded By	Award Date
  Award of Fellow	In recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to the healing art, to the Practice of Orthopedic Surgery, to research or for such other meritorious services reflecting credit and honor upon this organization and the Osteopathic profession at large.	American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics	2021
  Hank Chambers Award for Best Scientific Presentation	Presentation: Effects of a Simulated Game on Upper Extremity Kinematics and Muscle Activation Among Various Pitch Types in Youth Baseball Pitchers	PRiSM Society	2017

• Publications

  Manuscripts in Refereed Journals

  • Goodrich E, Cox B, Plummer HA, Cohen A, Andrews JR, Saper M
    Adolescent Baseball Pitchers With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears Exhibit a High Proportion of Partial Tears.
    35604305 The American journal of sports medicine, 2022 July : 50(8)2198-2202
  • Saper MG, Courson J, Milchteim C, Plummer H, Andrews JR, Ostrander RV 3rd
    Successful Outcomes and Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Football League Football Players.
    34320568 Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 2022 May 1 : 32(3)e288-e292
  • Friesen KB, Saper MG, Oliver GD
    Biomechanics Related to Increased Softball Pitcher Shoulder Stress: Implications for Injury Prevention.
    34779664 The American journal of sports medicine, 2022 Jan. : 50(1)216-223
  • Oliver GD, Downs Talmage JL, Friesen KB, Saper MG, Dugas JR
    Decreased Shoulder and Elbow Joint Loads During the Changeup Compared With the Fastball and Curveball in NCAA Division I Collegiate Softball Pitchers.
    34527754 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2021 Sept. : 9(9)23259671211026625
  • Downs JL, Wasserberger KW, Barfield JW, Saper MG, Oliver GD
    Increased Upper Arm Length and Loading Rate Identified as Potential Risk Factors for Injury in Youth Baseball Pitchers.
    34319818 The American journal of sports medicine, 2021 Sept. : 49(11)3088-3093
  • Saper MG, Bompadre V, Schmale GA, Menashe S, Burton M, Nagle K, Thapa M
    Association Between 45° Flexion Anteroposterior Elbow Radiographs and Diagnostic Accuracy of Capitellum Osteochondritis Dissecans.
    34255576 The American journal of sports medicine, 2021 Aug. : 49(10)2778-2782
  • Saper M, Wong C, Strauss N
    Adolescent Patients Exhibit Significant Improvements in Strength and Functional Performance From 6 to 9 Months After ACL Reconstruction With Quadriceps Autograft.
    34195652 Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, 2021 June : 3(3)e837-e843
  • Oliver GD, Downs JL, Friesen KB, Saper MG, Anz AW, Andrews JR
    Biceps Tendon Changes and Pitching Mechanics in Youth Softball Pitchers.
    32947639 International journal of sports medicine, 2021 March : 42(3)277-282
  • Hinkle A, Dickason CQ, Jinguji T, Shenoi S, Thapa M, Saper MG, Bompadre V, Schmale GA
    Prevalence and Severity of Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
    33718500 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2021 Feb. : 9(2)2325967120984139
  • Kim K, Saper MG
    Postoperative Management Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review.
    33364615 Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, 2020 Dec. : 2(6)e839-e845
  • Chawla S, Saper MG
    Fresh Precut Osteochondral Allograft Core Transplantation for the Treatment of Capitellum Osteochondritis Dissecans.
    32577354 Arthroscopy techniques, 2020 June : 9(6)e797-e802
  • Gupta AS, Pierpoint LA, Comstock RD, Saper MG
    Sex-Based Differences in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Among United States High School Soccer Players: An Epidemiological Study.
    32528989 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2020 May : 8(5)2325967120919178
  • Welling S, Saper M.
    Arthroscopic anterior capsular release for post-traumatic elbow flexion contracture in pediatric patients: a report of two cases with treatment protocol.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2020 : 31(5)508-511
  • Kim K, Thapa, M, Shneider S, Saper M.
    T2 mapping on magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose lateral patella compression syndrome: a report of two cases.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2020 : 31(5)512-514
  • Geiger K, Chawla S, Saper M.
    Osteochondral allograft core transplantation for the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans: a case report with technical note.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2020 : 31(5)522-525
  • Holland E, Low D, Bompadre V, Saper M.
    Analgesic effectiveness of continuous interscalene catheter use for ambulatory shoulder surgery in pediatric and adolescent patients.
    Journal of ISAKOS: Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 2020 : 5208-212
  • Fox JC, Saper MG
    Arthroscopic Suture Fixation of Comminuted Tibial Eminence Fractures: Hybrid All-Epiphyseal Bone Tunnel and Knotless Anchor Technique.
    31890496 Arthroscopy techniques, 2019 Nov. : 8(11)e1283-e1288
  • Oliver GD, Saper MG, Drogosz M, Plummer HA, Arakkal AT, Comstock RD, Anz AW, Andrews JR, Fleisig GS
    Epidemiology of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries Among US High School Softball Players, 2005-2006 Through 2016-2017.
    31523693 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2019 Sept. : 7(9)2325967119867428
  • Oliver GD, Plummer H, Henning L, Saper M, Glimer G, Brambeck A, Andrews JR
    Effects of a Simulated Game on Upper Extremity Pitching Mechanics and Muscle Activations Among Various Pitch Types in Youth Baseball Pitchers.
    31393289 Journal of pediatric orthopedics, 2019 Sept. : 39(8)387-393
  • Saper MG, Andrews JR
    Clinical Outcome After Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in an Adolescent Baseball Player: A Case Report.
    31241540 Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 2019 July : 29(4)e70-e72
  • Saper MG, Fantozzi P, Bompadre V, Racicot M, Schmale GA
    Return-to-Sport Testing After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes.
    30854403 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2019 March : 7(3)2325967119828953
  • Cox B, Kindle B, Goyeneche N, Hackel J, Andrews JR, Saper M
    Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for a high-grade sternocleidomastoid tear in a professional football player.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2019 : 30(2)175-177
  • Kasik CS, Rosen MR, Saper MG, Zondervan RL
    High rate of return to sport in adolescent athletes following anterior shoulder stabilisation: a systematic review.
    31044093 Journal of ISAKOS : joint disorders & orthopaedic sports medicine, 2019 Jan. : 4(1)33-40
  • Saper MG
    Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Independent Suture Tape Reinforcement.
    30533372 Arthroscopy techniques, 2018 Nov. : 7(11)e1221-e1229
  • Meijer K, Saper M, Joyner P, Liu W, Andrews JR, Roth C
    Minimizing Graft-Tunnel Mismatch in Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Blumensaat's Line: A Cadaveric Study.
    29730211 Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 2018 Aug. : 34(8)2438-2443.e1
  • Washington JK, Gilmer GG, Barfield JW, Gascon SS, Saper MG, Dugas JR, Andrews JR, Oliver GD
    Differences in Segmental Speeds as a Function of Maturation in Youth Baseball Pitchers.
    29665612 International journal of sports medicine, 2018 June : 39(6)462-467
  • Oliver GD, Plummer HA, Washington JK, Saper MG, Dugas JR, Andrews JR
    PITCHING MECHANICS IN FEMALE YOUTH FASTPITCH SOFTBALL.
    30038835 International journal of sports physical therapy, 2018 June : 13(3)493-500
  • Kasik C, Saper MG
    Variability of Outcome Reporting Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review.
    29373288 Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 2018 April : 34(4)1288-1294
  • Saper M, Pearce S, Shung J, Zondervan R, Ostrander R, Andrews JR
    Outcomes and Return to Sport After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes.
    29662910 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2018 April : 6(4)2325967118764884
  • Saper M
    Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With a Gracilis Allograft.
    29868412 Arthroscopy techniques, 2018 April : 7(4)e405-e410
  • Saper M, Shung J, Pearce S, Bompadre V, Andrews JR
    Outcomes and Return to Sport After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Baseball Players.
    29780844 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2018 April : 6(4)2325967118769328
  • Saper M, Pearce S, Andrews JR
    Muscle strength and functional testing after adolescent revision ACL reconstruction: a case report.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2018 : 29(5)512-514
  • Saper MG, Pierpoint LA, Liu W, Comstock RD, Polousky JD, Andrews JR
    Epidemiology of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries Among United States High School Baseball Players: School Years 2005-2006 Through 2014-2015.
    29048928 The American journal of sports medicine, 2018 Jan. : 46(1)37-43
  • Saper MG, Cox BA, Shneider DA
    A Modified Osteotomy for Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle.
    28970998 Arthroscopy techniques, 2017 Aug. : 6(4)e1107-e1112
  • Saper MG, Meijer K, Winnier S, Popovich J Jr, Andrews JR, Roth C
    Biomechanical Evaluation of Classic Solid and All-Soft Suture Anchors for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.
    28297604 The American journal of sports medicine, 2017 June : 45(7)1622-1626
  • Saper MG, Milchteim C, Zondervan RL, Andrews JR, Ostrander RV 3rd
    Outcomes After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Adolescent Athletes Participating in Collision and Contact Sports.
    28451607 Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 2017 March : 5(3)2325967117697950
  • Saper M, Brady C, Zondervan R, Shneider D
    Clinical results after treatment for bidirectional patellar subluxation: Minimum 2-years follow-up.
    27810431 The Knee, 2016 Dec. : 23(6)1154-1158
  • Ostrander RV 3rd, Smith J, Saper M
    Triple-Row Modification of the Suture-Bridge Technique for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.
    27909668 Arthroscopy techniques, 2016 Oct. : 5(5)e1007-e1013
  • Barousse P, Saper M, Meijer K, Roth C, Andrews JR
    Valgus Extension Overload: Arthroscopic Decompression in the Supine-Suspended Position.
    27709047 Arthroscopy techniques, 2016 Aug 8 : 5(4)e845-e850
  • Ostrander RV 3rd, Saper MG, Juelson TJ
    A Biomechanical Comparison of Modified Krackow and Locking Loop Suture Patterns for Soft-Tissue Graft Fixation.
    27085852 Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 2016 July : 32(7)1384-8
  • Saper M, Shneider D
    Patellar stabilization for combined medial and lateral patellar instability; a case report with technical note.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2016 : 27(4)465-468
  • Saper MG, Popovich JM Jr, Fajardo R, Hess S, Pascotto JL, Shingles M
    The Relationship Between Tibial Tubercle-Trochlear Groove Distance and Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Adolescents and Young Adults.
    26343942 Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic and related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 2016 Jan. : 32(1)63-8
  • Hess S, Saper M, Taunt Jr. C
    Aseptic loosening of uncemented femoral components in long-term hemodialysis patients: a systematic review of the literature.
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2016 : 27(4)416-419
  • Saper M, Fine L, Schneider, D
    Plain radiographic evaluation of the patelofemoral joint: technique and image interpretation
    Current Orthopaedic Practice, 2016 : 28(1)89-96
  • Saper M, Kasik C, Dietzel D
    Arthroscopic Scapulothoracic Decompression for Snapping Scapula Syndrome.
    26870637 Arthroscopy techniques, 2015 Nov 10 : 4(6)e631-6
  • Saper MG, Shneider DA
    Medial patellar subluxation: diagnosis and treatment.
    26566549 American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.), 2015 Nov. : 44(11)499-504
  • Saper MG, Shneider DA
    Diagnosis and treatment of lateral patellar compression syndrome.
    25473620 Arthroscopy techniques, 2014 Oct 20 : 3(5)e633-8
  • Saper MG, Shneider DA
    Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Quadriceps Tendon Graft.
    25264506 Arthroscopy techniques, 2014 Jul 14 : 3(4)e445-8
  • Saper MG, Shneider DA
    Medial patellar subluxation without previous lateral release: a case report.
    24755851 Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B, 2014 July : 23(4)350-3
  • Saper M, Stephenson K, Heisey M
    Arthroscopic irrigation and debridement in the treatment of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
    24680320 Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic and related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 2014 June : 30(6)747-54
  • Saper MG, Shneider DA
    Simultaneous medial and lateral patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for combined medial and lateral patellar subluxation.
    24904765 Arthroscopy techniques, 2014 Mar 13 : 3(2)e227-31

  Book Chapters

  • Parikh S, Saper M.
    Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Medial Patellar Instability.
    Patella Instability and Dislocation: Classification and Operative Techniques. USA: Wolters Kluwer Health, 2019
  • Saper M, Emblom B, Andrews JR, Macrina L.
    Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using the Modified Jobe Technique.
    Operative Techniques: Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, 2nd Ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier., 2018
  • Saper M, Andrews JR, Meistering S, Schoderbek R.
    Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
    Operative Techniques: Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, 2nd Ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier. , 2018
  • Saper M.
    Femur Fracture- Plating.
    Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Case Atlas. Germany: Springer. , 2017
  • Saper M.
    Femur Fracture- Spica Cast
    Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Case Atlas. Germany: Springer. , 2017

  Show More Hide