Headshot of Gabrielle Fatora, MD

Gabrielle C. Fatora, MD

  • Assistant Professor
Contact
713-486-1600

Biography

Gabrielle C. Fatora, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (external link). She is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, specializing in advanced arthroscopic and open procedures of the knee, shoulder, and elbow. 

Clinical Interests 

Dr. Fatora cares for athletes and active individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. She also has expertise in managing degenerative shoulder conditions. She takes an evidence-based, individualized approach to care, working closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs, activity level, and goals. Dr. Fatora is committed to helping every patient return to the activities they enjoy and achieve the best possible outcome. 

Education and Training 

Dr. Fatora graduated summa cum laude from Rice University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering before earning her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. She completed her Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). She returned to Houston for her Sports Medicine and Shoulder fellowship with UTHealth Houston. During her fellowship, she provided care for the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, and University of Houston Cougars. She currently serves as a team physician for Tomas High School and the University of Houston. 

Locations and Appointments 

Dr. Fatora sees patients at our orthopedic clinic in Sugarland. Appointments may be requested online or by contacting the clinic at 713-486-1600.

Education

Undergraduate Degree
Rice University, Houston, Texas
Medical Degree
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Fellowship
UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas

Areas of Interest

Clinical Interests

  • ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL tears
  • Meniscus injuries
  • Knee cartilage injuries
  • Quadriceps tendon rupture
  • Patellar tendon ruptures
  • Shoulder instability and labral tears
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • AC joint injuries
  • Biceps tendon rupture
  • Pectoralis tendon rupture
  • Medial and lateral epicondylitis  

Publications

  • Tisherman R, Bulleit C, Champagne A, Fatora G, Lau B. There is high variability in quantitative measurement techniques in glenohumeral capsular measurements for shoulder instability: A systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2024;32(8):2161-2169. doi:10.1002/ksa.12236
  • Wagala N, Fatora G, Brown C, Lesniak B. Complications in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery and How to Avoid Them. Clin Sports Med. 2024;43(3):465-477. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2023.08.009
  • Como M, Fatora G, Boden S, Reddy R, Njoku-Austin C, Nazzal E, Lin A. Shoulder Injury Incidence and Epidemiology in Youth, High School, and Collegiate Fastpitch Softball Players: A Systematic Review and Future Research Perspectives. Sports Health. Published online September 2, 2024. doi:10.1177/19417381241276018
  • Cong T, Charles S, Reddy R, Fatora G, Fox M, Barrow A, Lesniak B, Rodosky M, Hughes J, Popchak A, Lin A. Defining Critical Humeral Bone Loss: Inferior Craniocaudal Hill-Sachs Extension as Predictor of Recurrent Instability After Primary Arthroscopic Bankart Repair. Am J Sports Med. 2024;52(1):181-189. doi:10.1177/03635465231209443
  • Tisherman R, Luo E, Briggs D, Bulleit C, Fatora G, Lau B. Glenohumeral capsular injury rate in patients with glenohumeral instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2024;4(4):762-767. Published 2024 Aug 30. doi:10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.004
  • Dadoo S, Miller L, Fatora G, Tisherman R, Musahl V. The PIVOT App: A User Guide. Video Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024;4(2). doi:10.1177/26350254231219279
  • Carlos N, Drain N, Fatora G, Nazzal E, Herman Z, Hughes J, Rodosky M, Lin A, Lesniak B. Myotendinous junction tears of the pectoralis major are occurring more frequently and discrepancies exist between intraoperative and radiographic assessments. JSES International. Published online July 22, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.019
  • Sapp M, Krishnamurthy V, Puperi D, Bhatnagar S, Fatora G, Mutyala N, Grande-Allen K. Differential cell-matrix responses in hypoxia-stimulated aortic versus mitral valves. J R Soc Interface. 2016;13(125):20160449. doi:10.1098/rsif.2016.0449

Publications in Progress

  • Fatora G, Helm J, Gregory B, Lowe W. Posterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery. In: Bedi A, ed. Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. Chapter 58, 4th edition. Wolters Kluwer-Editorial. 2026.
  • Kadagandla S, Fatora G, Gregory J. Management of Avascular Necrosis in the Elbow Using Core Decompression: A Case Report. Submitted for publication. 2026