Michael Chau

Dr. Michael Chau is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and joint preservation for children, adolescents and young adults. He uses non-surgical, advanced arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgical technique using a camera through small incisions) as well as traditional surgical techniques to treat cartilage, bone, ligament and tendon injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee in athletes. He collaborates with primary care sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers to support patients on their journey back to their normal lives and activities. He has a particular interest in cartilage-related conditions, including osteochondritis dissecans (a joint disorder in which a segment of bone and cartilage separates from the rest of the bone as a result of repetitive stress and compromised blood flow), osteochondral lesions (injuries of the interface between bone and cartilage) related to sports injuries or joint instability, and cartilage wear from joint impingement (a developmental problem causing joints to not fit together properly) or malalignment that places excess pressure in one area of a joint.

Chau's research interests include improving the outcomes of arthroscopic and traditional joint preservation surgeries as well as understanding the basic science of growth plate and articular cartilage. He is dedicated to teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows.

Chau earned his medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine and a doctorate in medical sciences focusing on cartilage biology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the Scottish Rite for Children, an affiliate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by a second fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Chau is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society, Arthroscopy Association of North America and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He has served as team physician for Pepperdine University and various junior colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul. He was assistant team physician involved with medical and surgical care for the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), and Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS).

As an endurance athlete, Chau has completed multiple marathons and triathlons. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the great outdoors, travel, music and spending time with family and friends.