Patient Testimonials

Biologic Tuberoplasty

Though I am a person who rarely writes long reviews, I feel compelled to do so, to hopefully help others who might share my circumstances. I am a 77 year old female, with a 38 year very diverse career as an RN. I have always had a deep respect for the medical professionals I worked and collaborated with. My career was about gaining a vast amount of knowledge and being instrumental in assisting with appropriate and up to date outcomes in patient care. I have been a patient myself many times and I always felt fortunate in the medical care I received. That is until….I did not. I previously, had a successful torn right rotator cuff tear repair in 2013. In 2022, when I started having increased/continuous pain, and limitation in my right shoulder, I sought care from two separate orthopedic surgeons, who periodically followed me over the years. I had no reason to believe I would receive less than stellar care and compassion from these surgeons. Initially, I felt I was being heard and treated appropriately. Over a period of a year, I started to believe this was not the case. In 2023, upon repeat MRI request, I was diagnosed with a massive right shoulder rotator cuff tear. A delay in diagnosis of the full extent of my rotator cuff, along with unacceptable options, disregard for my concerns and my detailed questions regarding the MRI results, lead to very obvious exasperation from both surgeons, who both wanted to leave the decision entirely in my hands. I was given three options: “do nothing - live with it and have periodic shoulder injections under fluoroscopy”; “have a rotator cuff repair again”, which would surely fail and result in a very painful recovery; “have a reverse shoulder replacement”, which would limit my range of motion going forward permanently. My spouse, was beyond disbelief at the disregard and callousness of in-depth discussions with both surgeons. (The term “gaslighting”, of females in particular, was repeatedly pointed out by several medical professional colleagues and friends.) The average patient, without the knowledge level, or research capability, might have selected one of these three options. At this point we investigated stem cell and platelet treatments. We reviewed many reputable medical institutions and made an appointment with a Scripts’ physician, who was doing stem cell and platelet treatments for various medical problems. Upon review and discussion of my MRI results, this physician suggested getting a referral to an Orthopedic Surgeon he knew , who might be able to help me. Raffy Mirzayan, M.D., was in my Healthplan Network and had success with a very innovative approach to massive rotator cuff treatment, Biological Tuberoplasty. We requested a Referral from one of the Orthopedic Surgeons I was seeing. We did some research on Biological Tuberoplasty and Dr. Raffy Mirzayan’s on-line info/u-tubes. I was seen by Dr. Mirzayan within several weeks, and had an evaluation and workup for a Biological Tuberoplasy. Dr. Mirzayan determined I was a candidate for this surgical procedure. For the first time in over a year, I had not only hope, but a VERY compassionate and knowledgeable surgeon who believed he could help me and give me a much better quality of life than I currently had. My Biologic Tuberoplasty was done in November, 2023. I still have my massive rotator cuff tear, however, my biologic allows my rotator cuff to get the support, it cannot give my arm without it. My recovery was much easier than the previous rotator repair in 2013. After 3 weeks in a sling, I had a dedicated Physical Therapist who knew about Biological Tuberoplasty and guided me through 3 months of progressive PT. Currently, I am living my best life, with the limitations of my complete rotator cuff tear. I can fully extend my arm; I can hug my loved ones with both arms at once; I can do my own hair; I can clean my house, with it’s 12’ ceilings on my own; I can lift and move items within reason; I am no longer in constant pain, unless I overdo things; I can extend my arm fully; I no longer have the fear of a reverse shoulder replacement with limitations and constraints placed on me by others. I call Dr. Raffy Mirzayan my “angel” who give me back my hope for my life on my terms, instead of that imposed on me. I will be forever grateful to my husband, my protector, who wouldn’t give up and supported me on this journey, along with my surgeon, who believed he could give me a better quality of life, when I had pretty much lost all hope. I will be forever grateful….thank you Dr. Mirzayan!

I give Dr Mirzayan my highest recommendation! I am a primary care sports medicine physician and I have worked with many orthopedic surgeons in the past. I chose Dr Mirzayan over other orthopedic surgeons for my ACL reconstruction based on his stellar reputation. He far exceeded my expectations. Not only is he highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced; he has an incredibly warm bedside manner, is compassionate, and tailors treatment to each individual. It has been 10 years since my knee surgery and I have had no issues. I have been able to play recreational basketball weekly with no pain, swelling, or instability. Dr Mirzayan’s care has been crucial to my physical health, mental health, and physician wellness. I have referred several patients to Dr Mirzayan based on my extremely positive experience. I can’t thank him enough for his care!

Dr. Raffy Mirzayan is a skilled, knowledgeable, kind and understanding surgeon. He did a reverse shoulder replacement for me and I look forward to full use of my arm. I would highly recommend Dr. Mirzayan, he is a master surgeon.

Dr Mirzayan is the BEST had Knee surgery in my early 40s with no problems, can kick a soccer ball,now in my 60s Doc did my shoulder,Torn Rotary Cuff and feeling good,Dr Mirzayan has kept me in good shape,to where I can walk with No pain,and still able to do upper body exercises Thank you Doc.

Dr Mirzayan performed three surgeries on me. My right shoulder, left shoulder and left elbow all with great results. The concern and respect given was greatly appreciated truly a miracle worker.

Dr. mirzayan did surgery on my rotater cuff. my shoulder had been bothering me for long time. after the surgery my shoulder felt like new Dr mirzayan has excellent communication skills. he is a wonderful person and I was fortunate to have him as my surgeon.

I played volleyball since I was maybe 10 years old. I fell in love with the sport at a USC vs UCLA volleyball game and decided from that moment on I was going to play high level college volleyball. I got to live out my childhood dream and play Division 1 volleyball as an outside in the Big West. My last year I unfortunately ended up completely tearing my ACL during a game. It was my worst fear come true. I was scared, frustrated, and crushed at the thought of never feeling like myself again.
I got prepped for surgery through Dr. Mirzayan, who definitely came into my life at one of the lowest points for me as an athlete. Nothing is worse for someone as active as myself, than not being able to perform at your best. He walked me through the entire process, from the graft he’d use, to what the incisions would look like, to how long the recovery process would take (if you can’t tell I was eager to return to play). I had so many questions as this was the first injury I’d ever had in 13 years of playing volleyball. He answered every one I could throw at him, ensuring a nervous wreck like myself, that one day I’d play again. He was an amazing surgeon to have, and I am so incredibly thankful I got to receive care from him through Kaiser. If I could recommend him to anyone who needs surgery and wants to get back to themselves I would! I am almost a year post op and I just passed my return to play test/ hop test with no knee pain, muscle definition in my surgical leg, and the ability to play volleyball again. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to get back to doing what I love. Thank you and God bless you Dr. Mirzayan!!

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Mirzayan who performed my son’s knee surgery and is now preparing for his second knee cartilage transplant. After nearly four years of my son being unable to play football due to his condition, this surgeon gave him back not only his health but also his dream.

Just four months after surgery, my son was able to compete in his senior year of football a moment we thought might never come. In fact, his very first game went viral, all thanks to the strength and confidence he gained from his new left knee cartilage transplant surgery. Watching him run onto that field was nothing short of a miracle, and we owe it all to this doctor’s skill, dedication, and care.

What sets this Dr Mirzayan apart is not only his professionalism and expertise but also his kindness and compassion. After years of visiting different surgeons and specialists, he was the only one who took the time to clearly explain my son’s disorder, how it could be treated, and how we could move forward as a family. His ability to communicate with clarity and empathy gave us hope when we needed it most.

My family and I feel truly blessed to have him in our lives. His caring nature, professionalism, and commitment to his patients go far beyond the operating room. He gave my son the opportunity to fulfill his dream, and for that, we will be forever thankful.

If you are searching for a surgeon who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely invested in his patients’ well-being, look no further. This doctor is a gift to his profession and to the families he serves.

I faced a challenging decision in finding a qualified surgeon for my bilateral shoulder Rotator Cup Tear, having heard unsettling stories about botched surgeries from coworkers and acquaintances performed by other Doctors. My concerns were legitimate and warranted.

I sought the advice of my cousin, whose son, a Minor League Baseball player, had suffered a severe injury that could have ended his career. Dr. Raffy Mirzayan effectively managed to resolve his injury! His name came highly recommended, and my cousin strongly encouraged me to consult him, emphasizing that she would not trust any other surgeon.

I found Dr. Mirzayan at Kaiser Baldwin Park, made an appointment, and underwent successful surgeries on both shoulders. The results were extremely positive, with a complete success and no post-operative complications or side effects. The healing and recuperation process was swift and thorough. I am delighted to endorse Dr. Mirzayan and highly recommend him to anyone seeking an exceptional surgeon.

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude to you and the entire surgical team for the wonderful and amazing work you all offered to me the day of my surgery. I have nothing but great things to say about my experience and my surgery was a great success. I thank you in all aspects, Rose 🌹