February 21, 2023

Meet Jay Keener, MD 

Shoulder & Elbow Specialist 

Dr. Keener specializes in the evaluation and treatment of shoulder and elbow disorders, including throwing-shoulder injuries, labral tears and biceps tendon injuries, rotator cuff disease and tears, frozen shoulder syndrome, shoulder and elbow arthritis, shoulder fractures, minimally invasive shoulder fracture fixation, shoulder and elbow joint replacement, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint injuries, shoulder instability and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Where are you from? 

I grew up in a little town of less than 10,000 people in southern West Virginia called Winfield. 

What made you choose orthopedics and shoulder surgery as a specialty?

I chose shoulder because of the complexity of the joint, the challenging problems that we see and the fact that shoulder problems affect people of all ages - young patients with instability of middle-aged patients with rotator cuff tears and arthritis in older patients with fractures.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I came to WashU Ortho because of the quality of the training. I have been faculty here since 2006.

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?

I enjoy the fact that I can positively impact a patient's quality of life and take on the most challenging shoulder and elbow cases.

Anything new on the horizon for shoulder and elbow care?

The most exciting thing right now is the refinement of shoulder arthroplasty (replacements) designs and the use of virtual reality during surgery to optimize implant placement.

What is the best advice you ever received? 

Someone pointed out to me a long time ago that the most common personality trait combination in highly successful people is talent combined with humility. "If you care about your patients you will be humbled frequently, always stay humble." - Gilles Walch

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and working out. I have two kids in college and one in high school. I also enjoy traveling, hiking and smoking meat.

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing?

I suspect that I would be an engineer, chef or comedian.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.