Three years ago, I had the privilege of being treated by Dr. Bae, and I truly cannot thank him enough. Before finding him, I had seen eight different doctors, all of whom turned me away due to the complexity of my condition. I was living in constant pain, feeling like I was out of options. From the very first consultation, Dr. Bae stood out. His confidence, deep expertise, and genuine care immediately gave me hope. He didn't shy away from the challenge -- instead, he clearly explained the path forward and made me feel I was in the best possible hands. Dr. Bae performed artificial disc replacement surgery on both my neck and lumbar spine. Today, three years later, I am thrilled to say that my pain is completely gone -- 100%. It's nothing short of life-changing. Thanks to Dr. Bae, I got my life back. I can work, travel, and enjoy activities I had once thought I'd lost forever. His skill as a surgeon, combined with his compassion and professionalism, is truly unmatched. If you are considering spine surgery, or feel like you've run out of options, Dr. Bae is the answer. He changed my life, and I will be forever grateful. read more

Hyun Bae, MD - Artificial disk replacement on my neck - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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The first time after this injury I felt SEEN and HEARD!! Dr Bae is confident and compassionate. We flew from Northern Ca to see him and it is the best decision I could have made. His entire staff and that of the Commons Clinic staff was exceptional. I did my research and I highly recommend Dr Bae! read more

I was rear-ended when stopped at a light in July 2009. Fast forward to December 1, 2009 and my cervical spine surgery with Dr. Bae. He told me after the surgery, you're lucky you were not completely paralyzed as when he got inside he found, not just a spine that needed repair but 3 disks that had shattered, "like eggshells" he said, all over my spinal cord. So a 3 hour surgery turned into 6 1/2 hours. I am convinced that had this been another surgeon my outcome would have been completely different! As it was, he picked each shard off delicately one at a time and gave me 3 new disks, titanium rods and I was good to go - home the day after surgery; up two days later at my desk writing! So today, 2026, I'm having some issues that are arthritis related in this same area and going back to my favorite Dr. Spine (Dr. Bae) :) to see if I can get a non-invasive remedy. He is a genius, a Michaelangelo of the spine and anyone going anywhere else is crazy! When it is your spine, you have to seek out the BEST - it's that simple. Dr. BAE IS THE BEST! read more

Everything is very organized Staff was knowledgeable Dr Bae is very confident he can fix me I am taking for tests this Friday for Dr Bae to reinforce his vision . Let's see what next tests / scans reveal read more

It was a waste of time and money, you can't see the Dr. unless you paid $250.00, we waited for 90 minuts after our appointmnt time to see him and during that time nobody came to tell us anything. He spend about 5 minutes with us wich made the cost $50.00 per minute. Somebory whrote the he's all about the money and we agree 100%. BB read more

I could not have asked for better care from Dr Bae and his staff. Traveling from out of state to see you was the best decision I made. I could hardly walk when I came in to see Dr. Bae. He did my spinal surgery and I feel like a different person I can walk without pain.!! read more

Dr Hyun Bae Might be a good surgeon, but will not operate on you unless you have a credit card or money available to give him, he is all about money. He probably was a great doctor surgeon when he first started as you can see if you read his reviews five years or more, but as of late Only with money will he talk to you or operate on you? Dr Bae sent me for an MRI and when I called him for the results, they would not put him on the phone without a credit card. It is sad to say that this is the type of doctor Dr Bae is It's so sad that he went to medical school and signed an oath to protect and to serve his patients and now he's all about the money There are other orthopedic and neurosurgeons that are kind and considerate and do the right thing for their patience. I'm sad to say Dr Bae is not one of them. read more

He is the best surgeon I have ever met!!! So far superior to any doctor I have ever met. I had the most extensive surgery no doctor in the country would touch me. Four months later, it's a miracle. I cannot express what a far superior doctor he is. In a league of his own. Already sent three friends to him. read more

Dr. Bae, his staff Bernadette and August are the most exceptional caring people. I can't express enough gratitude in the care they have given me during and after my successful spine surgery, C3, C4. I was able to function almost like normal the next day, minus not lifting anything heavy during recovery. Since then, I have another bulging disc in another area and that was painful and they've helped treat the issue right away. Dr. Bae is an incredible surgeon and he has a phenomenal staff! read more

Amazing care. Staff is excellent and Dr Bae is fantastic. Would highly recommend to anyone

My experience with Dr. Bae, and his staff has been nothing short of miraculous. The amount of pain I was in before my procedure was relentless, exhausting, and unlivable. Fusion of my entire cervical spine had been suggested by two Arizona prominent orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Bae replaced two disc in my neck and the change was noticeable immediately. When I woke from the anesthesia the first thing I noticed was no pain in my shoulder, arm, or hand. It was all gone. LThe only slight discomfort I had was from the surgical procedure itself, and with two Tylenol a day for a week I felt very little. I'm 63, and this was my first surgical procedure. I was very fortunate to find Dr. Bae and his staff. read more

Not sure why anyone who left bad reviews felt they needed to do so. I ended surgery after a vertebrae spontaneously collapsed. He took biopsies of that vertebra, and put in 4 screws and 2 rods attaching the adjacent vertebrae. Also did a vertebraplasty, where medical cement is injected into the collapsed vertebrae. The initial assessment was a one hour and 10 minutes surgery, but actual time was over 2 hours. I am extremely happy with Dr Bae. Two doctors I had consulted spoke very highly of him. And, if you check his background he has multiple awards for his work. I am flummoxed by the (few) negative reviews. One thing I can tell you is that Dr. Bar is very direct and straightforward. Some might read that as disinterested, but he spent a lot of time with me at my pre-surgery appointment, called me the night I was in the hospital, and insisted I come back in on day 3 for another follow-up meeting, and he has been very pleasant to speak to. One thing to be aware read more

Amazing surgeon and staff. We were able to get an appointment within days of calling. My husband was in really bad pain and unable to walk and Dr. Bae examined him and his MRIs and got him scheduled for surgery within days of our initial visit. The surgery was a success and my husband's on the way to recovery. Great follow up by the doctor and his entire staff. Highly recommend!! read more

Dr. Bae saved my life. I was in debilitating pain for four months. I saw five other specialists. Three physiatrists (spine and pain management docs) and two neurosurgeons. One physiatrist even did an epidural on the WRONG disc because he made the incorrect diagnosis. It left me unable to walk more than 4-5 steps without excruciating pain for three weeks. I was on an inhumane amount of steroids, nerve pain medication and opioids for four months. I was told I didn't need surgery. Until I finally found Dr. Bae. He took one look at my MRI and IMMEDIATELY knew what my problem was. I had a lateral disc herniation, and a disc fragment was trapped under a nerve branch. This is why I was in constant pain. This could not heal without surgery and I was at risk for nerve damage. I already had muscle weakness. Dr. Bae scheduled me for surgery 2 weeks later. I am 7 weeks post surgery now, and have been completely off pain meds (even Tylenol) for a month. I started physical therapy last week and walked 3 miles. I am incredibly grateful to have found Dr. Bae and his exceptional team. I knew something wasn't right with the other doctor(s). Especially after my pain increased after the epidural. I am so happy I trusted my instinct and kept looking for an answer. The level of intelligence and knowledge that Dr. Bae holds is MILES above anyone else in this city. I'm just sad I didn't find him sooner and lived with the pain for so long. Two weeks after surgery, I got up to get something in a bathroom drawer. I opened the drawer and realized it was the first time in over four months that I wasn't in pain. I cried. Tears of relief and joy. Thank you, Dr. Bae. read more

Dr. Bae nearly paralyzed me. I needed emergency surgery to correct what he did. He refused to help me. When I asked for my medical records all I received was one page a fake page saying I was doing well. I couldn't raise my arms, walk, swallow. It was horrible. He should have his medical license revoked. read more

Brief Update on C5-6 Disc Replacement surgery from September 2015 6 years later and still 100% perfect! All thanks to Dr. Bae!! read more

He ordered an MRI without contrast knowing I had a previous back surgery. He then told me I had a cyst on my spine I needed to be surgically removed. Ended up just being scar tissue. I'm so happy that I didn't go down the road of surgery with him especially when he was so quick to jump to conclusions... Wrong conclusions. read more

Came here for a consult for disc surgery. He recommended to do only a disc replacement (which is a MAJOR surgery). After seeing multiple surgeons all I needed was a micro-Discectomy which fixed everything fine. Then they have gave the audacity to send a bill for $500 cash for a 5 minute appointment giving me bad advice. They charge insurance companies $150 for this. Clearly Bae only looks how for Bae and doesn't care about the patient. read more

[Part 1; See pictures] I had surgery with Dr. Bae and it literally ruined my life. I didn't want to write this review and I was actually afraid to for a long time because I did not want to be on Dr. Bae's bad side but since he has now told me there is nothing he can do for me going forward I feel like I am obligated to leave this review for other people to read. I was severely injured in a car accident at the age of 24. I saw Dr. Bae for the next 2 to 3 years because I was suffering from incredibly severe back pain which radiated around the side of my torso. After seeing Dr. Bae periodically and completing copious amounts of physical therapy as well as many other conservative treatments including numerous pain management procedures, Dr. Bae suggested a fusion surgery at the age of 27. Throughout my time seeing Dr. Bae I was deathly afraid because my condition was getting worse and worse and my quality of life was quickly deteriorating as a result. I was a very high-level athlete who was also attending grad school and working at the same time. I was afraid of the pain management procedures that were being recommended to me by my pain management doctor but had them done nonetheless. I kept Dr. Bae in the loop regarding the pain management procedures I had done and he said the lack of relief I had received from the different procedures indicated to him that it was time to go ahead and fuse my spine. Knowing what I know now, this was not correct and I feel he should have directed me to either try a different pain management doctor, or at least additional procedures, before fusing me at such a young age. When I woke up from the fusion surgery, I knew something was wrong. I have never felt such terrible pain in my entire life, even with all of the medications they were giving me to help ease the pain in the hospital. I don't believe words can do that level of pain justice. I was supposed to be out of the hospital in 1 to 2 days. While I was discharged after 1 to 2 days, I got home and was there for about 30 minutes and then began having incredible difficulty breathing. My girlfriend took my temperature and it was over 102°, Which combined with my incredible difficulty breathing, led to the hospital insisting I rush back to the emergency room to be readmitted. The hospital insisted that someone from my family drive me because they believed an ambulance would take too long in light of the severity of my condition. The hospital kept me for observation for 3 to 4 additional excruciating days and during that time it was discovered I had an infection in my lungs as a result of the surgery and I had blood coagulating inside of my lungs and chest, causing the extreme difficulty breathing. I felt like I was drowning on land, I don't know how else to describe it. About 4-6 days after the initial surgery I was rushed into an emergency surgery for a pneumo-hemothorax. When I woke up from that surgery I truly wished they had just let me die. The pain was indescribable. Like nothing I have ever felt in my life and as an athlete I have had numerous acute injuries over the years. After completing a total of somewhere between 10 to 14 days in the hospital as a result of my "successful" spinal fusion, I was discharged back to my home. For the next 3 to 4 months I could barely function. I went from someone who could do well at any sport or activity my entire life to being almost completely unable to care for myself across the board. The way Dr. Bae had explained my recovery would go and the way it actually went were worlds apart. After 3 to 4 months of essentially bed rest following the surgery, I began physical therapy and pursued it relentlessly, never missing an appointment and going at least three times per week for the better part of a year. MY PAIN LEVEL NEVER IMPROVED. MY PAIN ONLY GOT WORSE AFTER SURGERY. Dr. Bae was sure that this fusion would take care of the relentless pain I had been feeling which was constantly at a level of about 6 to 7 out of 10. Unfortunately following the surgery my pain went from being not only in the area I had initially complained of, to throughout my entire left side of my back, and even both sides in certain spots. Following surgery my pain sustained at a level of 8/10 to 10/10. I thought I could not live with the pain I was experiencing prior to surgery, but compared to the pain I feel now on an every day basis, even years later, I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO SOMEHOW GO BACK AND NOT HAVE ALLOWED DR. BAE TO PERFORM MY FUSION SURGERY. read more

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Incredible results from an incredible spine surgeon! Dr. Hyun Bae possesses a completely different level of understanding and surgical skill-set that elevates him well above his peers in his field of expertise. Just look at his resume, it's clear why he's considered the best spine surgeon in the U.S. by those who've had the pleasure of being repaired by him. It wasn't by chance that I went to Dr. Bae, I researched spine surgeons in the U.S. extensively and interviewed several before concluding Dr. Bae was clearly the most talented surgeon I could select. And he didn't disappoint me! The entire staff at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration is very professional and highly efficient. This included scheduling my appointments, working with my insurance company, coordinating my surgeries and all follow-up appointments, including phone calls checking on my recovery progress. Tackling my complicated issue required two separate cervical spine surgeries. The first consisted of a posterior laminotomy, medial facetectomy and foraminotomy at level C7/T1, followed 3-weeks later with a complete 2-level anterior disc replacement at levels C5/C6 & C6/C7. State of the art titanium/polymer artificial discs were securely implanted, providing me with a full range of motion and pain-free use of my neck. Both surgeries were performed at the Advanced Surgical Center of Beverly Hills on an outpatient basis, which would have been unimaginable just 5-years ago. Amazingly, my disc replacement surgery began at 7am and I was in my vehicle being driven home at 1pm the same day, wearing only a soft neck brace for the ride home, which I never needed to wear again. My recovery and pain management has been way better than anticipated. In fact, the most difficult part of my entire recovery has been forcing myself to take it easy to give myself time to heal, simply because I feel so good. It's only been 7-weeks since my second surgery and I honestly feel like I can physically do anything without pain or limitations. I'm patiently waiting for Dr. Bae's clearance before returning to my regular workouts, active lifestyle, and pursuit of competitive golf. My recommendation to anyone in the U.S. searching for the finest spine surgeon available to diagnose and perform spine surgery on them is to include Dr. Hyun Bae on your list to interview. Resist the urge of selecting your spine surgeon simply based on geographical conveniences. Travel if necessary, your spine is too important. read more

I saw Dr Bae in 2019. He said my surgery would be complex, and to come back when I couldn't stand the pain anymore. Well, today I called and found he no longer takes Medicare. I would now have to pay $250 for my first visit and $150 for every visit after. I was so disappointed as I thought Dr Bae cared for all his patients, but now only a certain group of people can afford to see him. read more

While I am sure Dr Bae is a talented surgeon, he comes across as apathetic and unwilling to educate or communicate with his patients. He hardly addressed my questions, and when I asked him to explain the potential benefits and risks of his proposed surgery, he picked up his phone and started to record a voice memo (about me) rather than respond. He told me I ought to consider myself lucky to have him as an in-network doctor with my health insurance policy, and to come back when I was "ready for surgery." I left feeling a bit insulted, and very frustrated that I had waited over a month for this appointment only to leave with little understanding of my options. If you already have a full understanding of your diagnosis and are 100% sure that surgery is right for you, Dr Bae might be able to help. But if not, I would highly recommend finding a different doctor who is willing to explain your options. read more

After numerous epidurals and PT I came to the realization that my only remaining option to resolve my back pain was to consult a spine surgeon. After extensive research and review, Dr. Hyun Bae jumped to the top of my list. What a great find! Dr. Bae was warm, friendly, down to earth and exuded a tremendous amount of confidence. After reviewing my MRI he indicated that he could help me, but it would involve surgery. No problem, as that was what I expected. He explained what he would do while pointing that out on my MRI. He used the words, 'easy peasy" to describe what needed to be done. Easy for him to say, but in reality it was a minimally invasive procedure. I felt totally comfortable with him. I might add that every person whom I can in contact with at Cedars-Sinai or the Spine Institute was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae highly enough. Thank you, Dr. Bae. read more

I met Dr Bae in 2011, when he performed a hybrid fusion, including and artificial disc in my cervical. The surgery and whole experience was exceptional. Since then, Dr Bae has performed 3 of 5 spinal surgeries, from my thoracic to the lumbar. At anytime I had a problem, Dr Bae would review images and make sure I received the best of care. Since 2011, Dr Bae is not only my surgeon, he has become a friend. I can't express enough, the gratitude I have for Dr Bae, for what he has done for me and my family. He is, without a doubt, the finest and most caring and professional back surgeon in the country. Hands down - THE BEST! read more

I scheduled an appointment recently with Dr. Bae for a consultation regarding possible back surgery. I had specifically scheduled this appointment with Dr. Bae based on a recommendation from someone he had operated on. Instead of seeing Dr. Bae when I arrived, he had me see another doctor who worked with him, whom I'm believe he was training. After spending maybe 20 minutes with this other doctor, I was told that he would be consulting with Dr. Bae and that then Dr. Bae would come in. When Dr. Bae came in, he spent less than 5 minutes with telling me that I would not need surgery before he left the room. He did not review the results of my MRI with me, or really say much of anything other than that my back looked fine. It felt like pretty much a total waste of my time. I would never recommend Dr. Bae to anyone in need of a consultation for back surgery. read more

In early 2017 I slipped on some ice and suffered a stable fracture of the L1 vert. Once the trauma of the fall settled and I thought I could return to normal, I soon discovered I'd never see normal again. The fall changed EVERYTHING, as most traumatic injuries do. I was also suffering from a bad knee I believe was exacerbated by the fall. About a year and a half after the fall, I went to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of my Dr. He took a look at my MRI and noted I had a bone spur hitting the nerve someplace below the L1 where the break was, something others had missed (bulging discs, not much to do about it). He assured me this was easy to fix and I'd be good as new. BACK SURGERY!!! AHHHHH!!!! I was terrified. He noted that while I had some disc degeneration, he felt my spine overall looked no worse than someone else's my age, or his even, which made me feel good--he's young. Anyway, in November 2018 I had surgery to fix the bone spur. I've had several surgeries in my life and I woke up sick and out of it every time. This time I woke up like I just had the best nap of my life. I was up and going to the bathroom shortly after I woke up and I was home a few hours later. The office follow-up was great, and I thank Lisa Cano for her kindness and thoroughness during a small rough patch about three weeks post surgery. I'd been feeling a little blah and I could tell I was retaining water throughout my body. I just felt...swollen. I got a massage, and while the masseuse was very careful around the incision, she moved things around, as massage will do. A few hours passed and as I got up from the couch to go to bed, my back was wet. Long story short, the incision opened up and was leaking fluid. I immediately called the office (around 9pm, so it was the exchange I got), and Lisa called back immediately, asked me to take a picture, then told me how to cover it, etc. and had me come in the following morning. Dr. Bae was extremely concerned, said he'd never seen this so far out post surgery. He was NOT dismissive or cavalier, which I appreciated. His concern actually made me calmer about it (we can address the psychology of that another time) He swabbed for infection, then dressed it and sent me home with dressings and orders to take pictures after every dressing change. Within a day or two he called and said he wanted to go back in and surgically put a drain in. I finished a round of antibiotics he normally gives post surgery, and he put me on a second round. I was very against going under again, and within a few days the incision began tunneling. It was clear I had an infection but it wasn't bad enough to make me ill-no fever, no pain to speak of, just a little uncomfortable and a lot unnerving. He finally prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic and within a couple of days the tunneling stopped and the incision closed. These things happen. Drs work diligently to prevent infection, but it happens. The competency and care I experienced with Dr. Bae and his PA Lisa cannot be overstated. I was not worried for a second, and when I objected to going under again for the drain, Dr. Bae was firm that we shouldn't wait too long, but he didn't push. I sent Lisa gross pictures of the wound and the bandages every day, and it was enough to ruin the strongest of stomachs. Her communication was right on, and frequent. Saving the best for last, my back is good as new. The only negative was that with a repaired back my knee situation came to the forefront and proceeded to cause me suffering the back couldn't hold a candle to. I got that taken care of in September of 2019 (see my review of Dr Andrew Yun). I cannot say enough about Dr. Bae and his staff. He is just wonderful and he'll be my go-to if any future issues arise. read more

Dr. Bae had a consultation with my wife and suggested that she apply for an FDA trial of LimiFlex for her condition of spondylolesthesis. She was accepted and Dr. Bae performed the operation. It was most successful. In 10 days she was driving and 3 months out she is a very happy person. It surely was a better option that the traditional fusion that others had recommended. On one occasion we were stressed because we had to wait to see him. We were completely de-stressed when he came in with his charming self on a day in which he obviously had a lot of activity. We have nothing but high regard for this doctor. read more

Dr. Hyun Bae, MD is simply THE BEST at his craft and I saw a number of spine surgeons before I came to him as a last resort and I am so glad that I took that one more step to see him. All the other surgeons were recommending drastic procedures involving fusion of the lower back and I knew by my own instincts that it wasn't for me. My daughter found Dr. Bae when I had just about given up and was about to cave in to the other surgeons and I think she saved me from a life of pain because after surgery from Dr. Bae, I feel fantastic. I absolutely recommend that you see Dr. Bae and his outstanding staff at The Spine Institute before you have your back operated on by other physicians. This type of surgery should never be taken lightly and its important you see the best doctor out there to do it. Always get multiple opinions before deciding on a course of action for your own condition. It's funny but my daughter was in Chicago on business and she found out that Dr. Bae is well known even there and is super highly regarded for his work to help people with their spinal problems. Glenn L read more

I had surgery with Dr. Bae several years ago. The pain in my back was excruciating and I woke up and couldn't believe the relief I felt! Dr. Bae is an amazing surgeon. He and his staff were excellent from the beginning until the end. read more

I had been putting off surgery for probably two years longer than I should have. You can't blame me though anytime you're messing with the cervical spine well they can be scary. Finally the pain was too much and after seeing several orthopedic and neurosurgeons I decided to go with the doctor that came most highly recommended by friends who have had extremely successful surgeries with. It has now been one year since I had a cervical disc replacement by Dr. Bae. I wish I could go back several years and Yell at myself and say don't wait any longer do it! Do it! It is so worth it. Trust Dr Bae with your spine, he is the right doctor. Just to add a little perspective to my review, I have been critical care nurse for 25 years so I know a lot of people in the health industry and you can bet I explored it all. When it finally came time to make a decision the answer was clear, Dr. Bae. Like I said it's been a year since surgery and the answer is still crystal clear, Dr. Bae. Thank you so much to you and all of your team. It feels wonderful not to live with so much pain. read more

Dr Bae is not only an exceptional surgeon, he is such a warm and compassionate doctor. I was referred to him and i am happy to say that i am now totally pain free, walking well, etc. My surgery was 2 weeks ago!! His staff is great, especially his PA Avital..She is absolutely wonderful.. I would highly recommend Dr Bae! read more

I neglected to leave a review for Dr. Bae and I really feel bad. I spent over 3 years going to various doctors and chiropractors to fix a problem caused by my sciatic nerve. At a point, I was not able to put my left down and walk. I heard of him from a friend of mine and when we met, I was shocked of how of a detailed conversation we had - Dr. Bae went from describing the functionality of the spine and the sciatic nerve. Then he presented me with a couple of options. I agreed to move forward with a non-invasive surgery and the front desk scheduled me for surgery the following week. 6 hours after the surgery, I was able to walk in our back yard. It was miracle! AS I am writing this, I arranged to see him again, for a problem, since I don't trust any other doctors. The staff is great and the person I interfaced often was August. She is great as well! I just asked to arrange for me an MRI and tonight, after hours she replied that it has been taken care of. The anesthesiology doctor whose name I can't recall, called me at home before the and after the surgery. The best doctors and staff I ever dealt with. Thank you all so much with apologies for my late review. read more

Dr. Bae did my disc replacement L5-S1 in Oct 2015. He did an outstanding job. Recently I went to go and visit him because I have been having pain in my buttocks and he never hesitated to order and MRI and possible injections. Every time I leave his office I leave with a smile because I know I can count on Dr. Bae. His professionalism and sympathy for his patience just make him one humble man. Thank you to Dr. Bae and his staff, especially, Hugo, Alexis and Lisa for helping fill out my forms. I am looking forward continuing my treatment with Dr. Bae and his staff so I can recover 100%. Thanks! Adriana! read more

If you need back surgery, you cannot find a better surgeon than Dr. Bae!! My diagnosis was spinal stenosis. My symptoms were pain in my right hip and leg, plus muscle weakness. I am 78 years old and was nervous about back surgery, so I opted for steroid injections in my back, and this reduced the pain for a couple of months, but did nothing to help the weakness. Then, four months ago, I had been sitting on my couch and as I went to stand up, I leaned over to one side and must have twisted my back, when suddenly I was in immense pain and was unable to move my right foot! I went to the emergency room and had an MRI and was told I needed surgery! This is when I called Dr. Bae's office and was told to send my MRI disc and was given an immediate appointment after talking to Dr. Bae's assistant. I saw Dr. Bae on Friday, and watched him review my MRI - his comment was "wow, you need to have surgery, and we can do it on Tuesday!" I was sent nearby for an immediate second MRI and giveen my pre-op instructions for checking in to St. John's that Tuesday. I walked out the next morning with no pain. My leg weakness is steadily getting better with therapy and I was able to return to playing badminton in 2 months! Dr. Bae has literally saved my way of life. I could not walk without a walker when I had my surgery. Now I am walking my Border Collie and playing badminton! read more

Dr. Bae saved my dear friend's life. Literally. After a very successful back surgery, she recently had a follow-up exam. A lump he observed in a joint in her finger prompted him to ask her a seemingly odd question, "Did you smoke when you were young?" She admitted she had. His suspicion piqued, he sent her to a rheumatologist, who ordered a CT Scan -- which revealed a small irregularity in her lung. Needle biopsy confirmed cancer. Surgery got it all, and further testing confirmed it had been caught at Stage 1. What Dr. Bae did for my friend SAVED HER LIFE, and is nothing short of a miracle. read more

One year ago I was diagnosed with severe spinal instability after I had already had an existing fusion. The doctor who had performed the fusion on me previously said that it would be far too complicated to operate and I would require a multilevel fusion this time. He declined to operate on me and told me to try to survive on epidurals. I subsequently talked to other doctors that told me the same thing and that it would require a 6 to 8 hour surgery with the potential for severe complications. At this point I decided that I simply could not continue to live under the circumstances with this level of pain and such a poor prognosis. I have heard about procedures such as Kofkex. I found my way to Dr. Bae performed Coflex and I thought it could be an option for me. After evaluating me for a very long time and my scans he explained I would not be a candidate for koflex but he was not certain that I should have a fusion either. He was very intuitive and said if I don't help you will this be a problem? I said yes meaning that Iwas making plans to take my life. He came up with a solution that no one had done before explained that he couldn't guarantee the results but it would involve not doing a fusion but a decompression and using bone graft material to stabilize the vertebrae. I had my surgery six days ago. Prior to the surgery I developed severe pain in my sciatic nerve down my right leg that no amount of pain medication could relieve and I fell twice. This morning I used my treadmill and feel fantastic! My legs are stable there is no pain except for the incision. There's no way to express my gratitude for not only Dr Baes skill but his compassion and kindness.His training is superior and unlike like any most orthopedist s he is humble and willing to listen to his patients needs. If you are needing an evaluation or surgery on your spine do not look any further. He is in a class all by himself . read more

Dr. Bae is a brilliant, trusting, confident doctor and a great surgeon. After herniating a disc around Christmas time, I had surgery on 2/1/22. I am fully healed with zero pain. I am grateful for his PA, Olivia, for her amazing post-op patient care and wound care. I give them an A+! read more

If you have a spine issue, I highly recommend you take the time to see Dr. Hyun Bae. I had severe cervical disc herniations from a car accident causing incredible amounts of pain in my neck, shoulder and arms and prevented me from sleeping, work, and my daily activities. (Had to sleep sitting up and on opioids for the pain). Dr. Bae took one look at my MRI and said "I can get your life back..." After the operation the pain in neck, shoulders, and arm was gone, and I could sleep lying down flat again. Dr. Bae is an incredible surgeon. I'm convinced in my opinion he is the top in his field... He responds to all of my emails regarding any concerns, and his staff is amazing too! I am off all pain killers, virtually pain free compared to before the surgery! Please if you suffer in pain from spinal cord injury, take the time to see Dr. Bae, Three other surgeons recommended spinal fusion, and I was against that after reading hundreds of failures on Spine Universe. Dr. Bae fixed my problem with ADR and I'm very grateful to him for restoring my life back. Thank you Dr. Hyun Bae, I can't say it enough..... Nathan Rish............. Cervical ADR C4-C6 read more

It has been 7 months since my neck surgery. Recovery was challenging, as I expected, but I am now pain free and my hands are recovering their strength and mobility. You can barely see my scar, and my whole body is getting stronger day by day. I am in my mid 70s but feel so much better than I have in years! I feel that Dr Bae and his team saved my life and I am looking forward to a happy, healthy and productive future. The pain and changes in my ability to use my hands came on so slowly that I didn't realize how I was feeling until it was emergent. But when I first saw the x-ray of my neck, I realized that I had no choice, I had to do something about it. I had Cervical radiculopathy - an extremely pinched spinal chord from collapsing discs and bone spurs. It was clear I needed surgery to fuse two levels, but it was unclear whether to go from the front or the back. I began by searching the Internet and talking to doctors. When I heard about Dr. Bae and read the testimonies by so many people, as well as what he had to say about spine surgery, I knew I wanted him to perform my neck surgery, and I'm so grateful he said yes to taking care of me. He answered every question that I and my family had about the condition, the treatment, and the recovery. His approach was the exact opposite from my first consultation with another doctor, but his explanation was far more convincing. And I am so so glad I went with his suggestions! His team is wonderful and I was scheduled in for surgery right away. You know you are in good hands when the nurses and anesthesiologist rave about your doctor! Dr Bae was surprised to hear that I was excited for surgery, but I was! I had no fear because I knew I was in good hands. And I knew that I could get my life back! Thank you so much! read more

I am writing exactly one year after my procedure to give Dr. Bae and his office the highest possible recommendation. I did not write earlier because the entire procedure of having two levels of cervical spinal discs replaced went so well and so easily that I forced myself to wait to make sure things remained great. And they have. I was diagnosed in May 2016 with degenerative disc disease with C4/5 and C5/6 bulging directly on my spinal cord, causing numbness and a lack of agility in my hands. Local doctors in the Bay Area said my only choice was a two-level fusion, two nights in the hospital and formidable recovery. I did a lot of reading online and decided that everything about artificial disc replacement seemed better, from procedure to recovery. The only problem was that insurance would not cover it. We bit the bullet and decided to self-fund the surgery. I have never regretted the cost because the experience was AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME. Same-day surgery; I flew in a few days before for pre-op and stayed 11 days afterwards before flying back. The surgi-center was awesome, the surgery went quickly and well, and my recovery was negligible. When Lisa Cano, Dr. Bae's FABULOUS PA, told me that I would not experience much pain I was skeptical, but she was right. I only took one pain pill throughout, the first night. I was out to dinner and going to museums later in the week. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae and Lisa and the staff at the surgi-center highly enough. If you face anything like I faced, with cervical spinal disc issues, you could not do better than to see Dr. Bae. read more