ABOUT
Nels Sampatacos MD, received his MD degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center. After his final year as chief resident, Dr. Sampatacos completed a fellowship in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and reconstructive surgery at the prestigious Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI), Van Nuys, California. He received his board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and currently specializes in minimally-invasive/arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle, as well as shoulder replacement surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Sampatacos enjoys training and competing in triathlons (swimming, cycling, and running), weight lifting, skiing, traveling, photography, and spending time with his daughter.
Practice Philosophy
I believe there is just as much wisdom, if not more, in understanding when not to operate as there is in knowing when to proceed with surgery. My philosophy involves listening to patients and engaging them in conversation, not only for the purpose of identifying their injury or ailment, but more importantly, to understand the functional implications their condition has on their overall quality of life. Then, after clearly explaining the pros and cons of various treatment options and providing my best recommendations, I believe in arriving at an individualized treatment plan together with the patient. From the professional athlete to the weekend warrior, one of my greatest pleasures is successfully returning an injured athlete to a high-level of competition. My goal is to restore form and function in a caring and compassionate environment, allowing my patients to quickly return to an active and healthy lifestyle.
nels sampatacos, md
Our Specialties
Specializing in minimally-invasive/arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle, as well as shoulder replacement surgery.
Publications
Keep updated on my latest writings.
Sampatacos NE, Gillette B, Snyder SJ, Henninger H. Biomechanics of a novel technique for suprapectoral intreosseous biceps tenodesis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016;25(1):149-57.
Sampatacos NE, Getelman MH. MPFL Reconstruction Using a Modified “Reverse Loop” Technique. Arthrosc Tech. 2013;2(2):e175-81.
Clark RR, Dierckman B, Sampatacos NE, Snyder SJ. Biomechanical performance of traditional arthroscopic knots versus slippage-proof knots. Arthroscopy 2013;29(7):1175-81.
Sampatacos N, Getelman MH, Henninger H. Biomechanical Comparison of Two Techniques for Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis: Interference Screw versus Implant-Free Intraosseous Tendon Fixation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(11):1731-9.
