Walter R. Lowe, MD

Chair and Professor
Edward T. Smith Endowed Chair
Medical Director, Memorial Hermann Rockets Sports Medicine Institute

Sports Medicine

Contact

713-486-7500
713-512-2234 fax

Biography

Walter R. Lowe, MD, is a nationally recognized Houston orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert with more than 30 years of experience. He serves as chair and professor of orthopedic surgery at UTHealth Houston (external link). In addition, he leads orthopedic services at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and LBJ General Hospital. He also directs the Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, a premier orthopedic and sports injury care center in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Lowe holds board certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He focuses on sports medicine, specializing in knee and ligament injuries. He leads the field in ACL reconstruction and advanced surgical techniques that restore strength, stability, and performance. His patient-centered care empowers athletes to recover safely and confidently return to competition.

As head team physician for the NBA’s Houston Rockets and the University of Houston Cougars, Dr. Lowe manages every aspect of athlete health and performance. For 20 years, he served in the same role for the NFL’s Houston Texans. Furthermore, he provides expert sports injury care for several Houston-area high schools, including the North Shore Mustangs, C.E. King Panthers, and Deer Park Deer. He also supports Texas A&M Athletics as team physician, helping student-athletes stay healthy and competitive throughout their seasons.

Dr. Lowe remains deeply committed to education and mentorship. He trains future orthopedic surgeons through hands-on teaching, clinical guidance, and sports medicine fellowship instruction. His leadership inspires young physicians to pursue excellence in patient care, research, and innovation within orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.

He earned a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. After completing his internship at John Peter Smith Hospital, he trained at Tarrant County-affiliated hospitals in Fort Worth, Texas. Later, he pursued a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, where he trained under the late Frank Jobe, MD, a renowned sports medicine surgeon specializing in baseball.

Dr. Lowe actively contributes to professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the ACL Study Group.

You can click here to request an appointment.

Education

Undergraduate Degree: Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado
Medical Degree: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas
Internship: John Peter Smith Hospital, Ft. Worth, Texas
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Tarrant County Affiliated Hospitals, Ft. Worth, Texas
Fellowship: Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Inglewood, California

Areas of Interest

Clinical Interests

Knee
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction / Revision Reconstruction
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction / Revision Reconstruction
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Repair / Reconstruction
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair / Reconstruction including Posterior Lateral Corner Repair / Reconstruction
Multi-Ligament Repair / Reconstructions
Osteochondral Autograft / Allograft Transplantation (OATS)
Osteochondral Microfracture
Carticel Reimplantations (ACI) (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation)
Meniscal Injury (Meniscectomies and Meniscal Repairs)
Patellofemoral Disorders
Meniscal (Allograft) Transplants

Shoulder
SLAP Lesion Repair
Bankart Lesions Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair
Bicep Tendon Disorders (Biceps Tenodesis)
AC Joint Injuries / Reconstructions
Dislocations
Anterior and Posterior Instability Surgical Corrections

Elbow
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Repair / Reconstruction (Tommy John Procedure)
Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
“Little League” Elbow

Publications

Visit the PubMed profile page

Abstracts:

Shupe PG, Harner CD, Warth RJ, Gao X, Sun X, Lowe WR, Huard Is an autologous fibrin clot capable of preserving and delivering stem cells? Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, March 22, 2017, San Diego, CA. Podium Presentation.
Shupe PG, Harner CD, Warth RJ, Gao X, Sun X, Lowe WR, Huard Is an autologous fibrin clot capable of preserving and delivering stem cells? ORS 2017
Shupe PG, Harner CD, Warth RJ, Gao X, Sun X, Lowe WR, Huard Is an autologous fibrin clot capable of preserving and delivering stem cells? ISAKOS 2017.
Hays MR, Dodd, CT, Warth RJ, Kumaravel, M, Lowe WR, Prasarn, ML. On-Field Removal of Large Anti-Concussive Football Helmets using Current Guidelines Leads to Increased Passive Cervical Lordosis. AAOS 2018.
Hays MR, Dodd, CT, Warth RJ, Kumaravel, M, Lowe WR, Prasarn, ML. On-Field Removal of Large Anti-Concussive Football Helmets using Current Guidelines Leads to Increased Passive Cervical Lordosis. AOSSM 2019.
Tashman S, Zandiyeh P, Kutzler M, Purtle B, Alford T, Wayne CD, Warth RJ, McDermott JD, Narayana P, Gabr R, Kumaravel M, Lowe WR, Harner CD. Graft Remodeling Revealed by Serial UTE T2* MRI. 2018 ORS 2019.
Tashman S, Zandiyeh P, Kutzler M, Purtle B, Alford T, Wayne C, Warth RJ, McDermott J, Taher A, Narayana P, Gabr R, Kumaravel M, Lowe WR, Harner CD. ACL graft remodeling revealed by serial UTE-T2* 2019 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), 105th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting.
Zandiyeh P, Warth RJ, Narayana P, Gabr R, Kumaravel M, Lowe WR, Harner CD, Tashman S. UTE T2* MRI shows evidence of tissue remodeling in ACL grafts between 1 and 9 months after ISB/ASB 2019. Calgary, Canada. ISB/ASB 2019.
Maxwell GT, Warth RJ, Amin A, Darlow MA, Bailey L, Lowe, WR, Harner CD: “Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: Does the KD Classification Predict the Type of Surgical Management?” Published: Journal of Knee Surgery.

Referred Original Articles in Journals:

Bailie DS, Moseley B, Lowe WR. Surgical anatomy of the posterior shoulder: effects of arm position and anterior-inferior capsular shift. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999 Jul-Aug;8(4):307-13. doi: 1016/s1058-2746(99)90151-9 (external link). PMID: 10472001.
Stadelmaier DM, Lowe WR, Ilahi OA, Noble PC, Kohl HW 3rd. Cyclic pull-out strength of hamstring tendon graft fixation with soft tissue interference screws. Influence of screw length. Am J Sports Med. 1999 Nov-Dec;27(6):778-83. doi: 1177/03635465990270061501 (external link). PMID: 10569365.
Frazier, Steinlight, Sasha; Putukian, Lowe W, Margot FACSM. Hemoptysis in a Varsity Collegiate Football Athlete: 1172. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 42(5):p 183, May 2010. | DOI: 1249/01.MSS.0000384293.50158.b8 (external link)
Conway, J., Lowe, W.R.: “Elbow Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.” Published: Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine 9, No. 4 (October), 2001: pp 196-204.
Bartz, , Bryan, W., Lowe, W.R.: “Posterior Elbow Impingment.” Published: Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine Vol. 9, No. 4 (October), 2001: p245-252.
Alrowayeh, N., Sabbahi, M.A., Paine, R., Lowe, W.R.: Does Reflex Inhibition Change with ACL Reconstruction? Published: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Vol. 35, No. 5, May 2003: p S306.
DiRaimondo CA, Alexander JW, Noble PC, Lowe WR, Lintner DM. A biomechanical comparison of repair techniques for type II SLAP lesions. Am J Sports Med. 2004 Apr-May;32(3):727-33. doi: 1177/0095399703258751 (external link). PMID: 15090391.
Luo, Z.P., Chen, C.H., Liu, X., Lintner, D., Lowe, W.R., Zhai, Q.J.: “Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Remodeling After Stress Deprivation – A Histological ” The Knee March 2006. Link (external link)
Herring, A., Boyajian-O’Neill, L.A., Coppel, D.B., Daniels, J.M., Gould, D., Grana, W., Hong, E., Indelicato, P., Jaffe, R., Joy, E., Kibler, W.B., Lowe, W.R., Putukian, M. (2006). Psychological Issues Related to Injury in Athletes and the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement. Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2030-2034. PMID: 17095938 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e31802b37a6 (external link)
Lowe, R., Anderson, D.R.: “Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Lesions.” Clinical Sports Medicine. 2006
Lowe, R., Craft, J., Milos, S.: “Keyhole Techniques for Tenodesis of the Biceps Tendon.” Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine Volume 15, Issue 1, January 2007, pages 7-9. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.otsm.2006.11.001 (external link).
Chen CH, Liu X, Yeh ML, Huang MH, Zhai Q, Lowe WR, Lintner DM, Luo ZP. Pathological changes of human ligament after complete mechanical unloading. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Apr;86(4):282-9. doi: 1097/PHM.0b013e31803215dc (external link). PMID: 17303960.
Guelich DR, Lowe WR, Wilson B. The routine culture of allograft tissue in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Sep;35(9):1495-9. doi: 1177/0363546507301882 (external link). Epub 2007 Apr 27. PMID: 17468381.
Crawford MJ, Dy CJ, Alexander JW, Thompson M, Schroder SJ, Vega CE, Patel RV, Miller AR, McCarthy JC, Lowe WR, Noble PC. The 2007 Frank Stinchfield Award. The biomechanics of the hip labrum and the stability of the hip. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007 Dec;465:16-22. doi: 1097/BLO.0b013e31815b181f (external link). PMID: 17906586.
Crawford, M.J., Dy, C.J., Alexander, J.W., Thompson, M., Schroder, S.J., Vega, C.E., Patel, V., Miller, A.R., McCarthy, J.C., Lowe, W.R., Noble, P.C.: “The biomechanics of the hip labrum and the stability of the hip.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2007 Dec; 465:16-22.
Herring, A., Bernhardt, D.T., Boyajian-O’Neill, L.A., Gerbino, P., Jaffe, R., Joy, S.M., Kibler, W.B., Lowe, W.R., Putukian, M., Weber, S., Whalen, M. Selected issues for the adolescent athlete and the team physician: a consensus statement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008 Nov;40(11):1997-2012. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818acdcb (external link). PMID: 19430330.
Murray PJ, Lowe WR. Achilles allograft reconstruction of a chronic complete proximal hamstring rupture. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2009 Nov;17(11):1360-3. doi: 1007/s00167-008-0670-3 (external link). Epub 2008 Nov 26. PMID: 19034429.
Herring, S.A., Bergfeld, J.A., Bernhardt, D.T., Boyajian-O’Neill, L.A., Gregory, A., Indelicato, P.A., Jaffe, R., Joy, S.M., Kibler, W.B., Lowe, W.R., Putukian, M. (2008). Selected Issues for the Adolescent Athlete and the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement. Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 1997-2012.
Liu, X., Tingle, T., Lintner, D.M., Lowe, W.R., Zhai, Q.J., Luo, Z.P.: Differences in Collagen Gene Expression in Male and Female Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured Athletes. Biology of Sport 2009; 26(3):255-261. Link (external link)
Murray PJ, Alexander JW, Gold JE, Icenogle KD, Noble PC, Lowe WR. Anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: kinematics and knee flexion angle-graft tension relation. Arthroscopy. 2010 Feb;26(2):202-13. doi: 1016/j.arthro.2009.07.014 (external link). Epub 2010 Jan 12. PMID: 20141983.
Shah AA, McCulloch PC, Lowe WR. Failure rate of Achilles tendon allograft in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2010 May;26(5):667-74. doi: 1016/j.arthro.2010.02.031 (external link). PMID: 20434665..
Shah, A., Shah AA, Brien A, Lowe WR. Radiographic results of femoral tunnel drilling through the anteromedial portal in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2010 Dec;26(12):1586-92. doi: 1016/j.arthro.2010.05.007 (external link). PMID: 20926230.
Herring, S.A., Kibler, B., Putukian, M., Allen, T.W., Bergfeld, J.A., Bernhardt, D.T., Boyajian-O’Neill, L.A., Cosca, D., Jaffe, R., Lowe, W.R., Thorson, D. American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American College of Sports Medicine; American Medical Society for Sports Medicine; American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine; American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. Selected issues for the master athlete and the team physician: a consensus statement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Apr;42(4):820-33. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181d19a0b (external link). PMID: 21099759.
Herring, S.A., Cantu, R.C., Guskiewicz, K.M., Putukian, M., Bergfeld, J.A. Boyajian- O’Neill, A., Franks, R.R., Indelicato, P.A., Lowe, W.R., O’Connor, F.G., Thorson, D.C. (2011). Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) and the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement – 2011 Update. Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2412-2422. PMID: 22089299 DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182342e64 (external link)
Paine R, Lowe W. Comparison of Kneelax and KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometers. J Knee Surg. 2012 May;25(2):151-4. doi: 1055/s-0032-1313916 (external link). PMID: 22928432.
Driscol,l M.D., Isabell, G.P., Conditt, M.A., Ismaily, .SK., Jupiter, D.C., Noble, P.C., Lowe, W.R.: “Comparison of 2 Femoral Tunnel Locations in Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study.” Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related October, 2012; 28 (10) 1481-1489. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2012.03.019 (external link). Epub 2012 Jul 15.
Herring, A., Kibler, W.B., Putukian, M., Bergfeld, J.A. Boyajian-O’Neill, L.A., Franks, R.R., Indelicato, P.A., Jaffe, R., Lowe, W.R., Young, C.C. (2012). Sideline Preparedness for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement – 2012 Update. Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2442-2445. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e318275044f (external link)
DeLong JM, Simmons L, Lowe W, Burkhart S. Knot Strength Varies Widely Among Expert Arthroscopists. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2014;42(8):1978-1984. doi:1177/0363546514535554 (external link).
Shybut, T., Vega, C., Haddad, J., Alexander, J., Noble, P., Lowe, W.R. “Effect of Lateral Meniscal Root Tear on the Stability of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficient ” The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015 Apr; 43(4):905-11. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514563910 (external link). Epub 2015 Jan 14. PMID: 25589386.
Paine R, Chicas, E, Bailey LB, Hariri , Lowe WR. Strength & Functional Assessment of Healthy High School Football Players: Analysis of Skilled And Non-Skilled Positions. The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy; (10)6, Nov 2015, Page 850. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26618064/ (external link)
Doherty DB, Lowe WR. Meniscal Root Tears: Identification and Repair. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2016 Mar-Apr;45(3):183-7. PMID: 27004274 (external link).
Lowe, W.R., Warth, R.J., Davis, E.P., Bailey, L. (2016). The effects of functional bracing following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017; 25:239-249. DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00710. (external link)
Lowe, R.: “There, it Fits!”: Justifying Non-Significant P-Values”. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. DOI 10.1016/j.arthro.2016.08.006 (external link)
Juneau C, Paine R, Chicas E, Gardner E, Bailey L, McDermott J, Lowe W. Current Concepts in Treatment of Patellofemoral Osteochondritis Dissecans. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Dec;11(6):903-925. PMID: 27904793; PMCID: PMC5095943.
Bailey, L., Juneau, C., Mascarenhas, R., Lowe, W.: Current Concepts for Managing Graft Site Pain Following ACL Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon Autograft. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):601–614, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3871
Lowe WR, Warth RJ, Davis EP, Bailey L. Functional Bracing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017 Mar;25(3):239-249. doi: 5435/JAAOS-D-15-00710 (external link). PMID: 28195986.
Bailey L, Griffin J, Elliott M, Wu J, Papavasiliou T, Harner C, Lowe W. Adductor Canal Nerve Versus Femoral Nerve Blockade for Pain Control and Quadriceps Function Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autograft: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Arthroscopy. 2019 Mar;35(3):921-929. doi: 1016/j.arthro.2018.10.149 (external link). Epub 2019 Feb 4. PMID: 30733025.
Gao X, Lu A, Tang Y, Schneppendahl J, Liebowitz AB, Scibetta AC, Morris ER, Cheng H, Huard C, Amra S, Wang B, Hall MA, Lowe WR, Huard J. Influences of donor and host age on human muscle-derived stem cell-mediated bone regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2018 Nov 21;9(1):316. doi: 1186/s13287-018-1066-z (external link). PMID: 30463597; PMCID: PMC6249775.
Huard J, Bolia I, Briggs K, Utsunomiya H, Lowe WR, Philippon MJ. Potential Usefulness of Losartan as an Antifibrotic Agent and Adjunct to Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy to Improve Muscle Healing and Cartilage Repair and Prevent Adhesion Formation. Orthopedics. 2018 Sep 1;41(5):e591-e597. doi: 3928/01477447-20180806-05. Epub 2018 Aug 10. PMID: 30092110.
Worsham J, Lowe WR, Copa D, Williams S, Kleihege J, Lauck K, Mascarenhas R, Bailey L. Subsequent Surgery for Loss of Motion After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Does Not Influence Function at 2 Years: A Matched Case-Control Analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Sep;47(11):2550-2556. doi: 1177/0363546519863347 (external link). Epub 2019 Jul 26. PMID: 31348866.
Warth RJ, Zandiyeh P, Rao M, Gabr RE, Tashman S, Kumaravel M, Narayana PA, Lowe WR, Harner CD. Quantitative Assessment of In Vivo Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Remodeling: A 3-Dimensional UTE-T2* Imaging Study. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Oct;48(12):2939-2947. doi: 1177/0363546520949855 (external link). Epub 2020 Sep 11. PMID: 32915640.
Utsunomiya H, Gao X, Deng Z, Cheng H, Nakama G, Scibetta AC, Ravuri SK, Goldman JL, Lowe WR, Rodkey WG, Alliston T, Philippon MJ, Huard J. Biologically Regulated Marrow Stimulation by Blocking TGF-β1 With Losartan Oral Administration Results in Hyaline-like Cartilage Repair: A Rabbit Osteochondral Defect Model. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Mar;48(4):974-984. doi: 1177/0363546519898681 (external link). Epub 2020 Feb 6. PMID: 32027515.
Warth RJ, Shupe PG, Gao X, Syed M, Lowe WR, Huard J, Harner CD. Fibrin Clots Maintain the Viability and Proliferative Capacity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An In Vitro Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2020 Mar;478(3):653-664. doi: 1097/CORR.0000000000001080 (external link). PMID: 31842142; PMCID: PMC7145080.
Logan CA, Gao X, Utsunomiya H, Scibetta AC, Talwar M, Ravuri SK, Ruzbarsky JJ, Arner JW, Zhu D, Lowe WR, Philippon MJ, Huard J. The Beneficial Effect of an Intra-articular Injection of Losartan on Microfracture-Mediated Cartilage Repair Is Dose Dependent. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jul;49(9):2509-2521. doi: 1177/03635465211008655 (external link). PMID: 34259597.
Bailey L, Weldon M, Kleihege J, Lauck K, Syed M, Mascarenhas R, Lowe WR. Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation of Meniscal Repair in the Setting of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Oct;49(12):3287-3292. doi: 1177/03635465211036471 (external link). Epub 2021 Sep 3. PMID: 34477016
Higbie S, Kleihege J, Duncan B, Lowe WR, Bailey L. Utilizing Hip Abduction Strength to Body-Weight Ratios in Return to Sport Decision-Making After ACL Reconstruction. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Oct 1;16(5):1295-1301. doi: 26603/001c.27346 (external link). PMID: 34631250; PMCID: PMC8486405.
Maxwell GT, Warth RJ, Amin A, Darlow MA, Bailey L, Lowe WR, Harner CD. Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: Does the Knee Dislocation Classification Predict the Type of Surgical Management? J Knee Surg. 2021 Feb;34(3):273-279. doi: 1055/s-0039-1695739 (external link). Epub 2020 Mar 17. PMID: 32185787.
Utsunomiya H, Gao X, Cheng H, Deng Z, Nakama G, Mascarenhas R, Goldman JL, Ravuri SK, Arner JW, Ruzbarsky JJ, Lowe WR, Philippon MJ, Huard J. Intra-articular Injection of Bevacizumab Enhances Bone Marrow Stimulation-Mediated Cartilage Repair in a Rabbit Osteochondral Defect Model. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;49(7):1871-1882. doi: 1177/03635465211005102 (external link). Epub 2021 May 12. PMID: 33979242.
Presley J, Bailey L, Maloney K, Duncan B, Reid M, Juneau C, Lowe WR. The Influence of Mode-of-Injury on Psychological Readiness for Return-To-Sport Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched-Controlled Study. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Feb 1;16(1):177-184. doi: 26603/001c.18794 (external link). PMID: 33604148; PMCID: PMC7872442.
Lowe W, Kleihege J, Calzada E, Polasek K, Higbie S, Bailey L. Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Exhibits Similar Outcomes at Return-to-Sport & Two-Years When Compared to Patellar Tendon Autograft for Primary ACL Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;10(5_suppl3). doi:1177/2325967121S00539 (external link)
Steward J, Warth R, Haidar L, Lowe W, Mansour A. Paper 82: High Variability Exists Between Longstanding Lateral Radiographs and Standard Lateral Knee Radiographs Evaluating Posterior Tibial Slope in Revision ACL Patients. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;10(7_suppl5). https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967121S00645 (external link)
Bailey L, Mullane A, Kleihege J, Lowe W. Paper 81: Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Yields Good Outcomes for Revision ACL Reconstruction after Failed Patellar Tendon Autograft. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;10(7_suppl5). doi:1177/2325967121S00644 (external link)
Duncan BR, Reid M, Kleihege J, Lowe W. Comparison of Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Primary Versus Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;11(5). doi:1177/23259671231159408 (external link)
Galloway C, Ward H, Higbie S, Kleihege J, Kumaravel M, Lowe WR, Bailey L. Relationship Between Bone Bruise Volume and Patient Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction. Orthop J Sports Med. 2023 Feb 24;11(2):23259671221146205. doi: 1177/23259671221146205 (external link). PMID: 36860772; PMCID: PMC9969447.
Reyes G, Higbie S, Bailey L, Lowe W. Outcomes of Anterior Closing Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients Undergoing Revision ACL Reconstruction. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;11(7_suppl3). doi:1177/2325967123S00315 (external link).
Lowe WR, Mansour A, Higbie S, Galloway C, Kleihege J, Bailey L. Return to Sport Following ACL Reconstruction with Slope-Correcting High Tibial Osteotomy in the Elite Athlete. Video Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;3(5). doi:1177/26350254231190938 (external link)
Han S, Gold J, Sij E, Laughlin M, Amis A, Williams A, Lowe W, Borque Deep medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the knee restores rotational stability throughout full range of motion while contemporary MCL reconstruction only does in extension. Orthop J Sports Med, July 2023. doi.org/10.1177/2325967123S00272 (external link)
Borque KA, Han S, Dunbar NJ, Lanfermeijer ND, Sij EW, Gold JE, Ismaily SK, Amis AA, Laughlin MS, Kraeutler MJ, Williams A, Lowe WR, Noble P. Single-Strand “Short Isometric Construct” Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Restores Valgus and Rotational Stability While Isolated Deep MCL and Superficial MCL Reconstruction Do Not. Am J Sports Med. 2024 Mar;52(4):968-976. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465231224477 (external link).Epub 2024 Feb 11. PMID: 38343203.
Mansour AA 3rd, Steward J, Warth RJ, Haidar LA, Aboulafia A, Lowe WR. Variability Between Full-Length Lateral Radiographs and Standard Short Knee Radiographs When Evaluating Posterior Tibial Slope in Revision ACL Patients. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024 Jun 5;12(6):23259671241241346. doi: 10.1177/23259671241241346. PMID: 38840791; https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671241241346 (external link)
Onishi S, Kim Y, Nakayama H, Mansour AA 3rd, Lowe WR, Ollivier M. Infratubercle Anterior Closing Wedge Osteotomy Corrects Sagittal Alignment without Affecting Coronal Alignment or Patellar Height. J Clin Med. 2024 Aug 11;13(16):4715. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164715 (external link) PMID: 39200857; PMCID: PMC11355623.
Rigsby V, Shaw J, Stankaitis C, Higbie S, Kleihege J, Brooks W, Lowe WR, Bailey LB. Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction With Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Versus Isolated ACL Reconstruction: A Matched-Cohort Study. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Jan;53(1):132-137. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967123S00314.P (external link) PMID: 39741478.

Articles In Press

Nicholson, D., Gold, J., Patel, R., Isamaily, S., Wallace, S., Bernstein, D., Lowe, W.R., Noble, P.C. Biomechanical comparison of knee stability following single- bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using anatomic and non-anatomic tunnel positions. Arthroscopy. Submitted
Buhler, S., Chan, N., Patel, R., Isamaily, S., Vial, B., Lowe, W.R., Noble, P.C. Graft tension during a dynamic pivot shift maneuver after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Comparison between anatomic and non-anatomic tunnel positions. Arthroscopy. Submitted
Lowe WR, Gregory B, Shupe P, Reyes G, Kumaravel M, Bailey L. Standard Preservation Versus Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System (MOPS) for Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: A 16-Week MRI Comparison of Osteochondral Integration. Arthroscopy – Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. In Draft 2025
Lowe WR, Mansour A, Higbie S, Galloway C, Kleihege J, Bailey L. Return to Sport Following ACL Reconstruction with Slope-Correcting High Tibial Osteotomy in the Elite Athlete. JBJS Case Files. In Review 2025.
Lowe WR, Mansour A, Eastman M, Suarez D, Reyes G, Kleihege J, Higbie S, Bailey L Clinical Outcomes Following ACL Reconstruction with Slope Reducing Tibial Osteotomy: A Matched Case-Control Study. Am J Sports Med. Writing 2025

Invited Articles:

Harner, D., Lowe, W.R.: Editorial Commentary: Posterolateral Corner Injuries in Elite Athletes Remain a Challenging Diagnostic Problem.” Arthroscopy – Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. 32(3) 967-975. 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.11.001.

Book Chapters:

Paine, R., Johnson, R., Lowe, W.R.: “Surgical Management of the Patellofemoral Joint” Sports Physical Therapy Section Home Study Current Concepts on the Rehabilitation of the Knee of the Athlete. Chapter 6, 1998.
Lowe, W.R., Maffet, M.: “Superior Labral Injuries.” Published: DeLee & Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles & Practice 1, 2nd Ed. (December), 2002: Chapter 21, Section K, p 1046-1064.
Muntz, J.E., Flores, S.E., Lowe, W.R. (2013). Thromboprophylaxis in Day Surgery: Knee Arthroscopy and Ligamentoplasty (Ligament Reconstruction). In Juan V. Llau, M.D., D. (Ed.), Thromboembolism in Orthopedic Surgery (pp.123 – 132). London: Springer-Verlag.
Hanypsiak, Delong, J. Lowe, W.R. (2013). Scapulothoracic Disorders. Miller & Thompson (pp. 57-1 – 57.12e1).
Mascarenhas, , Bhatia, S., Lowe, W.R. (2016) Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee. Nova Publishing. New York, NY.
Shupe, G, Griffin, J.S., Lowe, W.R. (2016) Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee. Nova Publishing. New York, NY.
Huard, , Warth, R., Harner, C.D., Lowe, W.R.: “Use of Biologics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.” Nova Science Publishers. June, 2016.
Bailey, , Lowe, W.: Rehabilitation of Knee Ligament Injuries. eds. Co-Editors: Randy Mascarenhas MD FRCSC, Sanjeev Bhatia MD, Walter Lowe MD. Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee. Nova Publishing. June, 2016.
Shupe, P.G., Griffin, J.S., Lowe, W.: Arthroscopic inlay posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Co-Editors: Randy Mascarenhas MD FRCSC, Sanjeev Bhatia MD, Walter Lowe MD. Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee. Nova Publishing. June, 2016.
Huard, J., Warth, R.J., Chahla, J., LaPrade, R.F., Harner, C.D., Lowe, W.R.: The use of biologics in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. eds. Co-Editors: Randy Mascarenhas MD FRCSC, Sanjeev Bhatia MD, Walter Lowe Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee. Nova Publishing. June, 2016.
McDermott, J.D., Warth, R., Harner, C.D, Lowe, WR. “Arthroscopic Medical Meniscus Transplantation”. Illustrated Tips and Tricks in Sports Walters/Lippencott Fred Aza Edition-in-press.

Awards, Honors & Board Certifications

Awards

Jack C. Hughston Sports Physician Award, APTA’s Sports Physical Therapy Section, February 2014
Walter R. Lowe, M.D. Professorship established as a quasi-endowment, $100,000.00, May 2014
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Nomination, May 2015
- The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Distinguished Alumnus Award, October 2015
- The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Honorary Member selection, July 2017
Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association
Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award for Outstanding NFL Physician of the Year, March 2018
Top 19 Orthopedic Surgeons in the United States, Journal or Orthopedics, January 2025

Professional Activities

Official Head Team Physician, Preferred Orthopedic Surgeon for the NCCA, 1993 – Present University of Houston Cougars
Official Head Team Physician, Preferred Orthopedic Surgeon for the NFL, 2001 – 2022 Houston Texans
Official Head Team Physician, Preferred Orthopedic Surgeon for the NBA, 2005 – Present Houston Rockets
President-Elect of the NFL Physicians Society and Chairman of the Professional Review Committee, 2015 – 2016
Official Team Physician, 1997 – 2003 Houston Comets
NASA Consultant, 2000
Official Team Physician, 1995 – 1997 Houston Oilers

Professional Organizations

Local:

Harris County Medical Society, 1983-Present
Houston Orthopaedic Society, 2003 – Present

Regional:

Texas Medical Society, 1992 – Present
Texas Orthopedic Society, 2005 – Present
Texas Society of Sports Medicine, 2005 – Present
Southern Orthopedic Association, 2008 – Present
Western Orthopedic Association, 2008 – Present

National:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1992 – Present
American Medical Association, 1992 – Present
American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine, 1995 – Present
American College of Sports Medicine, 2002 – Present
NFL Team Physicians Society, 2002 – Present
Executive Committee of NFLPS, 2014 – Present
Mid-American Orthopedic Society, 2002 – Present
NBA Team Physicians Society, 2003 – Present
American Orthopaedic Association, 2012 – Present
Herodicus Society, 2014 – Present

International:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Study Group (ACL), 2007 – Present
International Cartilage Repair Society, 2008 – Present
Arthroscopy Association of North America, 2008 – Present

Certifications
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, July 1990, Re-Certified 2002
Subspecialty in Sports Medicine, November 2007

Request Appointment

Whether you’re dealing with an ACL injury, rotator cuff tear, meniscus injury, shoulder instability, tendonitis, or other sports-related conditions that limit your performance or daily activities, our orthopedic sports medicine specialists are here to help. We provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans for athletes and active individuals of all ages, offering a full spectrum of care from non-surgical therapies to advanced surgical procedures.

Request an appointment today (external link) to get the specialized care you need to relieve pain, restore strength and mobility, and safely return to the activities you love.