Biography
Matthew E. Koepplinger, DO, MS, is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UTHealth Houston. (external link) As a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon, he provides expert care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring motion, alleviating pain, and promoting a safe and timely recovery.
He treats a broad range of upper-extremity problems. These include fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tennis elbow are also key areas of his practice. Additionally, he specializes in treating sports injuries and offers minimally invasive hand surgery when appropriate, helping patients heal more quickly and safely return to their activities.
Dr. Koepplinger completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University. He earned his medical degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens. Afterward, he finished an internship and orthopedic surgery residency at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo. During this time, he gained extensive experience in trauma and reconstructive procedures. He then advanced his training through a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, where he strengthened his skills in complex hand surgery and microsurgical techniques.
In addition to his clinical work, he emphasizes clear communication and personalized treatment planning. Therefore, each patient receives an explanation of their diagnosis, a review of all options, and a plan tailored to their long-term function and quality of life.
He sees patients at two convenient locations: The Texas Medical Center and Katy. You can click here (external link) to make an appointment.
Education
- Undergraduate Degree
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Masters of Science
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Medical Degree
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio
- Residency
- Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio
- Fellowship
- Hand Surgery Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Areas of Interest
Clinical Interests
- Hand, wrist, and elbow trauma, including fractures and dislocations
- Hand, wrist, and elbow ligament injuries and joint instability
- Hand, wrist, and elbow tendon injuries and tendon disorders
- Hand, wrist, and elbow nerve injuries, including peripheral nerve conditions
- Hand and wrist nerve compression, including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Elbow nerve compression, including cubital tunnel syndrome
- Hand, wrist, and elbow arthritis, including degenerative and inflammatory conditions
- Hand, wrist, and elbow congenital anomalies
- Hand and finger tendonitis, including trigger finger
- Elbow overuse conditions, including tennis elbow
- Hand, wrist, and elbow sports injuries
- Complex nerve and spasticity
- Hand, wrist, and elbow work-related injuries
Publications
- ME Koepplinger, CT Mehlman, RL Brown, M Gittelman, VF Garcia. “All Terrain Vehicle-Related Injuries in Children: A Nine Year Epidemiological Study & Comparison to Bicycle-Related Trauma”. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, March 2002.Presented at the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America 2002 Annual Meeting, May 2-5, 2002, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- CT Mehlman, ME Koepplinger. “Growth Plate (Physeal) Fractures.” Chapter for www.emedicine.com.
- ME Koepplinger, CT Mehlman. “The Sever-L’Episcopo Procedure – A hyphenated history”. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, 27(5), July-Aug 2007, 533-536.
- RJ Nowinski, CT Mehlman, ME Koepplinger. “Posterior Shoulder Instability”. Chapter for www.emedicine.com.
- ME Koepplinger, TD Jaeblon. “Venous thromboembolism diagnosis and prophylaxis in the trauma population.” Current Orthopedic Practice; May-June 2010; 21(3): 301-305.
- ME Koepplinger, KR Davis, L Ellis. “Case Presentations of Complicated Compartment Syndromes of the Thigh. Two cases presented: 1) Predisposed by heterotopic ossification; 2) Recurrence following blunt trauma.” Current Orthopedic Practice: Jan-Feb 2011; 22(1): 116-121.
Patient Stories
Houston police officer provides inspiration after surgery, recovery from gunshots (external link)
Awards, Honors & Board Certifications
Board Certifications
- American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Professional Organizations
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- American Osteopathy Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO)
- American Society of Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
- Texas Orthopedic Association (TOA)
- Texas Hand Society (THS)
Honors and Awards
- 2026 Lee Vander Lugt, DO Leadership Award Winner – AOAO
- Namesake for the “Matthew Koepplinger, DO Award” – St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Award for Outstanding Junior Orthopaedic Surgical Resident
- UT Health/McGovern Medical School Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Teaching Award – 2022
- Award of Fellow, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, 2020
- McGovern Medical School Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award-“Esteemed Educator”
- Recipient of 5 or more Dean’s Teaching Awards 2014-2025
- “Outstanding New Faculty Award” 2009-10
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Request Appointment
Whether you’re experiencing hand or wrist pain, finger injuries, elbow problems, or have suffered a hand fracture that interferes with daily activities, our orthopedic hand surgeons are here to help. We provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages, from acute injuries to chronic disorders.
Book an appointment today (external link) to get the specialized care you need to restore strength, movement, and function.