When a proximal humerus fracture disrupts the alignment of your shoulder joint, Proximal Humerus ORIF surgery can restore stability and function. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. He completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
His practice serves patients across the Greater Los Angeles area with detailed procedure planning and recovery protocols. He brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes, active adults, and combat sports practitioners. His approach combines precise surgical technique with prehabilitation and nutritional optimization to support your body before and after surgery.
Proximal Humerus ORIF Surgery Overview
Proximal Humerus ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. It repairs complex fractures of the upper arm bone near the shoulder. The surgeon makes an incision to access the fracture, realigns the displaced bone fragments, and secures them with a plate and screws.
This hardware holds the bone in the correct position while it heals. The procedure is common for fractures where the pieces have shifted out of place.
Without surgical fixation, these injuries can lead to poor function and chronic pain. Dr. Jazayeri uses minimally invasive techniques when possible to reduce tissue disruption.
Indications For Proximal Humerus ORIF Procedure
This surgery is typically recommended for displaced proximal humerus fractures. Displacement means the bone fragments have separated and cannot heal in proper alignment on their own. The procedure is also indicated when the fracture involves the joint surface or when multiple fragments are present.
Younger patients with high-energy injuries and older adults with falls are both candidates. The decision depends on fracture pattern, bone quality, and your activity level. Dr. Jazayeri evaluates each case individually.
He considers non-surgical options first for less severe fractures. When surgery is the right choice, he explains the reasoning clearly so you understand the need for fixation.
Surgical Steps In Proximal Humerus ORIF
The procedure begins with a controlled incision over the shoulder to reach the fracture. Dr. Jazayeri carefully moves muscles aside to protect soft tissue. He then reduces the fracture, guiding the bone pieces back into their natural position.
A metal plate is contoured to fit the bone and secured with locking screws. This creates a stable construct that allows early motion. The incision is closed in layers.
Surgery usually takes between one and two hours. Dr. Jazayeri’s fellowship training at Kerlan-Jobe gave him extensive experience with complex shoulder reconstruction. His approach prioritizes anatomic alignment and stable fixation for reliable healing.
Recovery Timeline After Proximal Humerus ORIF
Recovery follows a phased timeline that varies by individual. You will wear a sling for the first four to six weeks to protect the repair. During this period, you begin gentle pendulum exercises and passive range of motion with guidance.
By six to eight weeks, active motion starts as the bone heals. Strengthening typically begins around three months. Most patients return to light daily activities within six to eight weeks.
Full recovery, including return to sports or heavy lifting, can take three to six months. Dr. Jazayeri monitors your progress through follow-up visits and adjusts your timeline based on healing seen on x-rays.
Physical Therapy Following Proximal Humerus Surgery
Physical therapy is a core part of your recovery after Proximal Humerus ORIF. It starts early with passive motion to prevent stiffness. A therapist moves your arm while you stay relaxed.
As healing progresses, you transition to active-assisted and then active exercises. The focus shifts to restoring strength, stability, and normal shoulder mechanics. Dr. Jazayeri coordinates directly with your physical therapist.
He provides a detailed rehabilitation protocol that matches your surgical repair. His practice also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack. This remote recovery program helps patients in Los Angeles and beyond stay on track between office visits.
Factors Influencing Surgical Decisions
Several factors shape the decision to proceed with Proximal Humerus ORIF. Fracture displacement and the number of bone fragments are primary considerations. Your age, bone density, and overall health also matter.
Younger, active patients often benefit from surgical repair to restore full function. Older patients with weaker bone may need different fixation strategies. Dr. Jazayeri assesses your nutritional status before surgery.
He checks vitamin D levels, inflammatory markers, and muscle status. This metabolic optimization is backed by his own peer-reviewed research. It helps create the optimal environment for bone healing after fixation.
Post-Operative Care For Proximal Humerus ORIF
Post-operative care begins the moment your surgery ends. Pain management uses a multimodal approach to keep you comfortable while minimizing medication needs. You receive clear instructions on wound care, sling use, and activity restrictions.
Ice and elevation help control swelling in the first days. Dr. Jazayeri sees you for follow-up visits to check your incision and review x-rays. He adjusts your recovery plan based on how your shoulder is healing.
His practice provides detailed pre-op and post-op instruction pages. You will know exactly what to expect at each stage. This structured approach helps you feel prepared and confident during recovery.
Benefits Of Choosing Dr. Reza Jazayeri For Your Surgery
Dr. Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sports medicine fellowship training from Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. His clinical focus on the shoulder means he performs Proximal Humerus ORIF with deep familiarity and refined technique. He uses a prehabilitation program to condition your body before surgery.
His proprietary Bio-Fertilization Technique combines biologic augmentation with metabolic optimization to support healing. He treats every patient with the same level of care he would give to his own family and friends.
His practice serves the Greater Los Angeles area with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities. Virtual consultations are available for patients across California.
Collarbone Fractures (Clavicle Fractures):
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With a Plate and Suture Implant Animation
This animated video demonstrates the use of a plate, screws, and suture button implant to repair a break in the collarbone.
Watch: Arthrex® Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair Using Coracoid Fixation
Frequently Asked Questions About Proximal Humerus ORIF Surgery
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Proximal Humerus ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. This surgery repairs complex fractures of the upper arm bone near the shoulder by realigning and stabilizing the bone fragments with plates and screws.
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This surgery is typically recommended for patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. Both older adults who fall and younger individuals with high-impact injuries may need this procedure. The decision depends on the fracture’s severity and alignment.
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Recovery varies by individual but generally involves wearing a sling for four to six weeks. Patients usually start gentle exercises early on, with a goal of returning to normal activities within three to six months, depending on healing.
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Physical therapy is essential after Proximal Humerus ORIF. It begins with passive motion exercises to prevent stiffness and progresses to active exercises aimed at restoring strength and shoulder function.
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Post-operative care includes pain management and clear instructions on wound care and activity restrictions. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust the recovery plan as needed.
Why Choose Dr. Reza Jazayeri For Proximal Humerus ORIF?
Choosing the right surgeon for your Proximal Humerus ORIF is crucial. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. His training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles adds to his expertise in this area.
Dr. Jazayeri uses advanced techniques to ensure positive outcomes for his patients. He emphasizes a prehabilitation program to prepare your body for surgery.
His approach includes personalized recovery protocols that focus on your unique needs. You can trust that he will treat you with the same care he would give to his own family.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Doctor Jazayeri did a surgery on my left knee with amazing results, before I was in constant pain and right now I am feeling much much better. He is a comprehensive person and very professional doctor. I am very happy that there are professionals like Doctor Jazayeri he is very prepared human being. Thank you Dr. Jazayeri I know that everywhere that you go you will do amazing job and patients will be blessed that you help them like you helped me. Thank you for everything I am going to miss you.
Schedule Your Consultation For Proximal Humerus ORIF
If you have a proximal humerus fracture and want to discuss Proximal Humerus ORIF, contact Dr. Reza Jazayeri’s practice. He serves patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area with offices in Los Angeles and Westlake Village. His double board certification in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine reflects his dedication to high standards of care.
He will review your imaging, explain your options, and help you decide if surgery is the right path. Virtual consultations are available for patients across California. Reach out today to schedule your evaluation and take the next step toward restoring your shoulder function.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
