Dr Dennis is my true life hero. Has nice, approachable, professional. His receptionist is so kind and caring. Dr Dennis is always honest and cares very much for his patients. He did a disc replacement and fusion on me in 2006, I've been back recently for a new issue and I trust him with everything! read more

I have been a paraplegic since Dr. Dennis did my back surgery 15 years ago and I am totally wheelchair bound. I urge you to look for another surgeon. read more

Dr Dennis is the best! My husband had a successful back surgery by him years ago and he's helped assist my father and myself through pain management, recommendations and referrals. He's open and honest and I even avoided surgery by speaking with him. Can't say enough great things! If you are contemplating surgery or need a second option he is non bias and super smart, I highly recommend you go see him. Jenna read more

I am a fan of Dr. Denis. He has been one of the best doctors. I've had thorough and he sits and talks to you and listens to you. I love this guy. He's wonderful. read more

He is awesome very caring Dr. If you have problems with Neck or Back come see him. His new location is read more

Steven Dennis, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I had my first visit with Dr Dennis and his bedside manner is amazing. He spent an hour with me And explained every section of my MRI to me that he didn't even order. He spent more time with me explaining an MRI that he didn't order then the Dr. who did. I finally have a better understanding of what's going on with my neck back and spine and don't feel its as dire as I thought. Thank you to Dr. Dennis! I recommend trying him! read more

* I have known Dr. Dennis for almost 20 years. He is an excellent and compassionate physician. He wouldn't recommend surgery unless you really needed it. He practices the old fashioned way, he gives individual time, attention to his patients. That being said, he is an excellent diagnostician and up to date on the newest procedures, knowing which work and which don't. The nurses and staff at all think highly of him, as do other physicians. I just found out he changed offices, he is now in Fashion Island in a smaller, more personalized practice. For those that can't find him, his new number is 949-644-9000. read more

He messed my Mom's back up and after a 2nd/3rd opinion 3 years later due to her ongoing constant pain that never went away after he performed surgery on her, she needs another surgery. My Mom's new Dr's in Greater Newport echoed the damage he caused and how wrong/bad his surgery was. His work now has to be removed and he didn't even sew my Mom's back up correctly according to the plastic surgeon who had to remove fluid after the surgery. read more

I visited Dr. Dennis for excruciating lower back pain, which he properly diagnosed as a herniated disk. With his insight and physical therapy, I am back to 100 percent again. I found Dr. Dennis to be attentive, to listen carefully, and to assess my problem without first jumping to conclusions. He and his staff are most professional. I highly recommend him. read more

Really unprofessional. Told me nothing wrong with my back from and x-ray. Basically rub some mud on it! Then had and MRI. So much wrong with my back had to have 5 lower discs replaced with cages spacers and hardware. Anterior/ posterior back surgery. Was at hoag a week after surgery. I had a real surgeon not this guy who should be written up and taken before medical board. Lucky I have a friend who works for a 5 star surgeon referred me to a real Dr. no way to treat a person or even a snake! Bad Bad Bad! Go to church Dr. Dennis for forgiveness. U took and oath. read more

If you claim to be surprised by any one star rating, wait until you read my true story. I am a veteran injured in the service of our country and went to see Dr Dennis in 2008 who suggested multiple disk replacement for me, claiming it had never been performed in the United States before. Facing an extremely long recovery I sold my home in California so I could move back to South Carolina where my family lived to assist with my recovery. At 6:00 on the evening before the surgery Sep 9, 2008 Dr Dennis called me and demanded I come to his office and told me that after looking at what my insurance was going to pay him for the surgery (he accepted my insurance as a carrier before I saw him initially) I had to write a check on the spot for $12,000 or he would refuse to perform the surgery scheduled for 12 hours later. He knew I sold my home, was temporarily staying in the Marriott with my wife across the street and my father had flown in from SC to help with my recovery and flight back to SC. A portion of the covered medical expenses were for a additional surgeon to prevent any issues with the incision which was through my abdomen to get to my spine. Ask him how my recovery went. He doesn't know if the surgery was successful, if I had any complications or issues of any kind because he nor his staff called me once to check on me. Nor did the additional surgeon. The only person I heard from in their group, not his office, was the finance section to make sure my insurer paid the portion they had committed to paying. I developed an incisional hernia requiring additional surgery, always a possibility but I thought that was the purpose of the second surgeon. read more

I too was surprised by the one star rating. Dr Dennis performed a cervical disc fusion on me 15 years ago when I was 35 and also very active, boxing, running, biking. Before surgery we tried pt, epidural acupuncture, various meds but I could still end up in the ER just from pulling at shirt over my head! At that point we discussed surgery. I too had a cadaver bone dissolve within weeks actually, but it was still a fusion and according to recent X-rays and mris a good one. Dr Dennis pointed it out to me immediately, again, within weeks of the surgery. So, he very much is familiar with that phenomenon There is no way I could have lived any kind of life without that surgery. Though I'm having some increasing pain in the last six months. I think 15 years is a pretty good run and the pain I'm experiencing now is minimal compared to before surgery. I was told recently that after a fusion you can expect to see more than normal bone growth and pressure on the surrounding discs. That's just a fact and has nothing to do with the competence of the surgeon. You have to have realistic expectations! My neck will always be a vulnerable area for me, but of course it is! that's just common sense. I do what i can to make sure I stay strong and fit, stretch even use heat or cold packs when necessary. That's my responsibility. I in no way would enjoy my current quality of life without dr Dennis. read more

My 80 year old Dad was in extreme pain with lumbar spinal stenosis. We were referred to Dr Dennis by his primary care physician after little relief from exercise and celebrex. An MRI was performed at Newport Orthopedic Institute and Dr Dennis ordered an epidural and a second one a few weeks later. My Dad experience litte relief from the two epidurals so Dr Dennis and his PA-C discussed performing a laminectomy and spinal fusion operation. We had a very thorough discussion about the operation and what to expect during the recovery/rehabilatation process. At one of the last appointments, Dr Dennis promised my Dad that he would have him dancing after the operation. Dr Dennis performed surgery on my Dad in late December 2012 at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. The day after the surgery, my Dad was walking with the help of a hospital physical therapist. After discharge from the hospital, a physical therapist and a nurse came to my Dad's home to help with the rehabilitation process. We had some delays getting pain management assistance from Newport Orthopedic Institute. My Dad had additional physical therapy outside his home. Three months after the surgery the back pain is gone, he is no longer taking any pain medications and can walk with only a cane to maintain his balance. Highly recommend the care you will receive from Dr Dennis, his PA-C and the staff at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. read more

I really wish Yelp had an option for "fraud alert" because the idea that Dr. Dennis would say someone had Münchhausen Syndrome in his notes is laughable. As for the person who only saw the "nurse," that may have been his Physician Assistant, but it would never have been just a nurse. I'm a nurse and a pretty picky one, especially if someone is going to be touching my spine. After interviewing six separate surgeons for an extensive lumbar fusion, orthopedic and neurosurgeons alike, I settled on Dr. Dennis and could not have placed my health and outcomes in better hands. Dr. Dennis was honest about exactly what he would do, took a lot of time to show me exactly where on my MRI screen my problem was and then, in quite a bit of detail, told me exactly what he would do to fix it. I found his integrity to be above reproach; when he found out I had been to five other surgeons, he said he never speaks ill of another doctor and will only consider repairs of past issues after the patient has been through the entire recovery process. My surgery was extensive, a three level anterior / posterior approach fusion, that involved a six to eight week recovery. I did great and continued to see him for the next year of followup. Each time I was asked if I preferred to see him or his PA; each time I saw him upon my request. Each time, he took huge amounts of time to answer every single question I had. A few weeks ago, some 18 months following the surgery (and a hip replacement, too!) I ruptured a disc above the fusion, probably from too much bending and twisting while gardening. I was in extreme pain. Again, Dr. Dennis saw me immediately and his scheduler (Magic Jicki!) was able to find a cancellation and work with me to get cleared for surgery the very next week. I am still recovering from that surgery. While in the surgical prep room for each of these surgeries, I asked as many nurses as I could, whom THEY would choose for back surgery. (I believe nurses give honest answers, not just "he's a friend and needs the referral type answers that many doctors give). Each one affirmed that I had made the exact choice they would make. I would recommend Dr. Dennis to anyone needing spinal surgery. I would recommend that any patient making choices to ask lots and lots of questions. Ask the surgeon, "What would my surgery and recovery look like?" You wouldn't believe the answers I got! Ask, "Are there any materials you would use that are controversial?" Yes, it seemed one surgeon did use such materials. (Dr. Dennis did not). If, in your extensive follow up, you prefer to see Dr. Dennis, ASK. We are in charge of our bodies and healthcare, folks! Ask questions. Make informed choices. I did and could not be happier with the outcome! read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dr. Dennis and his PA Megan. I've had two anterior-posterior spinal fusions (L5-S1 November 2009 and then L4-L5 in June 2013) and the results have been amazing. Some of you may be questioning why I had to have the second one if Dr. Dennis is so amazing...well, it wasn't his fault. I've had two major car accidents - the last one was in Aug. 2012. Anywhooo...as I was saying, Dr. D is hands down the BEST spine guy out there. His care and concern for his patient's well being is never in doubt. He is a straight shooter, and he will tell you if surgery is the only option, he doesn't cut, just for the sake of cutting. I am so glad I found him. Now if people would stop crashing their cars into mine, hopefully I can avoid having to see Dr. D for at least another 10 years! read more

Dr Dennis is the best! Experience and training compares to none. Excellent diagnostician which is what you need . We went to several Dr's for opinions but Dr Dennis took the time to do further testing and discovered it wasn't his back at all. He needed a bilateral hip replacement!!! Back surgery would have done nothing to relieve his pain. Thank God for Dr Dennis! His office manager Pearl also goes above and beyond for their patients! She is amazing!! read more

I recently had surgery with Dr. Dennis at the Hoag Orthopedic Hospital. Dr. Dennis has a great bedside manner and is very caring and compassionate! His staff and PA also did a great job, they are very diligent and responsive. I ended up getting 3 opinions for my laminectomy and am very happy I decided to go with Dr. Dennis! read more

After having back pain for several yrs and the bad sciatica, I called Dr Dennis office and got an appt. It was the best phone call ever. Dr Dennis did my interior/posterior infusion and I'm PAIN FREE!!!! Megan, his PA is also great. She's really nice and caring. Thank you Dr. Dennis for making me pain free!!! And Megan, thank you for everything. Staff, thank you guys for giving me appointments when I needed it. I got in very fast. read more

Dr. Dennis fused my L4/L5 vertebrae. Not only didn't it help, it made things worse. My pain never lessened, but it pushed the vertebrae and "screws" into the vertebra above them. I was sent to physical therapy by his Physician's Assistant, and never was able to discuss the continuing problem with Dr. Dennis. I have now seen four other Orthopedic doctors including two within his own medical group. They all agree that the surgery didn't work, and I need to now have more surgery to remove the work that he did, and fuse eight vertebrae to fix the problem. Of course, I am having that done by another specialist known for fixing problems stemming from poorly done prior surgery (Dr. Dennis') read more

Armene, you might well be a nurse but clearly you did not see my chart. Dennis' exact words were 'I'm really beginning to suspect Munchausen'. Please don't impugn my integrity when you never saw my records from him. You're the fraud. read more

Dr Dennis saved me from 5 months of excruciating pain, cause of which had not been found by previous orthopedic surgeons. He removed a large, "nasty" (in his own.words) cyst from my spine, which was solidifying and pressing on the nerves. This felt like a hundred + sciatica pain shooting down my right leg 24/7. Horrible pain. So happy to say, immediately after surgery that pain was gone. I am now 3 months post surgery and have been able to get back to my normal life: walk, shop, drive etc... life is wonderful again. Great doctor. read more

My 74 year old father went to Dr. Dennis for severe back. He has had back pain for nearly 30 years but lately it had become worse. After an emergency room visit for severe pain but an "all clear" from an X-ray, my father saw Dr. Dennis as a follow up to the ER. Dr. Dennis ordered an MRI. Two weeks ago my father saw Dr. Dennis who proceeded to tell him that he had bone cancer in his spine and had 3 to 6 months left. All based off of an MRI. My father drove home stunned and to break the news to my mom. As you can imagine the family was devastated by this shocking news and by the fact that an orthopedist delivered the news so matter of factly. A biopsy was scheduled for his back and spine and an appointment was made with a top notch oncologist. Today was they day to meet with the oncologist and learn of the biopsy results. The results? NO CANCER was found in the hip and spinal biopsies. Dr. Dennis gave a diagnosis and an "expiration date" without any information other than the MRI (which did show degenerative issues). He had no right to inflict emotional distress when it was clearly outside of his expertise. We will NEVER recommend Dr. Dennis to anyone. read more

Dr. Dennis did surgery on my L5 spine , 23 years ago. I was in so much pain. I have not had any problems at all since then. That was 1995. I would recommend Dr. Dennis to anyone that wants an excellent doctor. If I could more than 5 stars , I would. read more

This man ruined my life. He considers me a success, but the only standard for a success is that I didn't die during surgery. I have been in hell ever since. I was lied to about the statistics of spinal fusion. I found out after the surgery that this type of procedure should have never been done on a person under 50 with an active lifestyle. I was a 35 year old elite athlete and he knew it. My back has been so badly damaged that I have spent more than a decade and over $200,000 attempting to reduce my chronic pain enough to have any quality of life. The problem is that once the back has been surgically altered like this, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that any doctor, holistic healer, or medication can do to fix it. This is permanent. I went from being at the top of my field with a six figure income to being permanently disabled, $300,000 in debt and unable to get out of bed for more than about 5 - 10 hours per week. I did have improvement for the first 2 - 3 years after the surgery. Then the cadaver bone that he implanted completely dissolved. The research that I have done in recent years shows that this is common in younger, active people. When I went back telling Dr. Dennis that my pain was worse than before the surgery he belittled me. He basically told me that it was all in my head and sent me to a psychiatrist and a neurologist. They found nothing wrong with my head. Since I was unable to work anymore I needed to get disability. This arrogant jerk refused to admit that anything was wrong. I finally went to one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country for another opinion. This doctor (who coincidentally was one of Dr. Dennis' teachers in med school) was horrified by how badly the previous surgery had damaged my back. He showed me where the cadaver bone had dissolved (something Dr. Dennis either wouldn't admit or could not figure out). The only option left was to add hardware. Unfortunately the damage was so bad that this did not help at all. At least the second doctor admitted that I had damage that couldn't be fixed so now I get Social Security disability payments. Dr. Dennis actually put in my medical records that I was making up pain to get out of jury duty. There is no end to this monster's arrogance. The whole reason that I even had a first surgery is because of Dr. Dennis. I had pain and the situation would have corrected itself eventually with physical therapy but this could take years. He refused to sign any paperwork allowing me to collect from my private disability plan. He insisted that I was fine. If however I was willing to have major surgery with him, then he would sign my paperwork. Very shady!!! I was told that this was a simple routine procedure with little recovery time and an 85% success rate. Later research has shown the success rate to be closer to 10%. I had a choice of losing the home that I had just purchased with my life savings or doing what I thought was a simple procedure with a high success rate. He lied to me over and over. I have spent the past several years speaking to his former patients as well as their family members because many of them are unable to leave their homes. There is a reason you hear mostly from the minority who have success. The others are far too sick and injured to do much of anything. Bottom line - avoid surgery at all costs if possible because this is permanent and you lose your ability to heal once you have been surgically altered. If you do absolutely need surgery, do your research. A second opinion from a doctor in any way affiliated with the one who recommends surgery is a waste of time. They almost never disagree because they don't want their friends to lose out on a money maker and fear reciprocation. Find a doctor in another city if possible and do not bring your medical records - start from scratch. If they come to the same conclusion on their own then you should consider it seriously. This may cost more, but your long term well being is worth it. This advice has worked well for everyone that I have given it to and has saved many of them from unnecessary surgeries. All of these people who didn't get recommended surgeries are now very healthy and recovered on their own. Of those that did go ahead with the surgery, only one of them is happy with the results. The rest of them regret it. Don't believe me - do your own research - just do not get your only information from your doctor's office. They are not your friend. They are out to make as much profit as possible and there is nothing more profitable than a surgery, especially one that does not work, because then you are a now patient for life! They are paid the same no matter what the outcome and do not ever have to admit to failure unless someone dies on the table. read more

I developed severe pain down my leg from a bulging disc and cyst in my lumbar region, for which my chiropractor ordered an MRI. I made an appointment as a new patient with Dr. Dennis to find out what could be done and brought my MRI with me. Dr. Dennis' assistant/nurse briefly examined me, looked at my MRI on the screen, wrote me a prescription for a medication contra-indicated for my medical history, and gave me a prescription for injections in my back. I NEVER saw the doctor at all. I was charged for and made an appointment with Dr. Dennis, not his nurse. I would never choose a doctor who would let his nurse diagnose the patient and prescribe medication and procedures without even seeing the patient or evaluating the MRI himself. read more

Dr. Dennis is kind, thorough and knowledgeable. I have suffered from low back pain for many years, recently becoming quite severe. Luckily I am not presently a surgical candidate, but Dr. Dennis recommended physical therapy and acupuncture. Although I wish that there was a quick fix for my pain, I appreciated the time he took with me and the care he demonstrated for my overall well-being. He was also the first doctor who brought to my attention the fact that the heating pad I use for many hours a day is actually burning my back. If I need a spine surgeon in the future, Dr. Dennis will be the one. read more

Dr. Dennis is a miracle worker. When I saw that he didn't have a perfect rating I was flabbergasted. I am a 40 year old active man (just to refute the person with the one star rating). I am two weeks post two level spinal fusion surgery and am amazed at the results. I have been dealing with lower back pain for years doing everything possible to avoid surgery. I have been a patient at Newport Orthopedic for the past four years, seeing several doctors in the practice. All have been excellent. When it was time for surgery I placed my trust and body in Dr. Dennis' hands. When I awoke from surgery I could feel both my legs again. He performed an anterior approach, with a six inch incision to my lower abdomen and placed two prosthetics in my lower vertebrae. I was walking an hour after surgery and could immediately notice that my back was repaired. Obviously I was in pain from the surgery but I knew that the pain was different, that everything was going to be o.k. When Dr. Dennis visited me I almost cried in thanks. I saw him today for my post op appointment and the results are unbelievable. I am a new man...two weeks after surgery I only have minor pain from the actual incision site and need some rehab to get back to where I need to be. I am so thankful to him for giving me my life back. I will go to physical therapy for the next two months but I am already able to do more two weeks after surgery than I have been able to do for the last decade. Thank you Dr. Dennis! Thank you Newport Beach Orthopedic! Doctors in the truest sense of the word. read more

I'm 3 weeks post ACDF surgery with Dr. Dennis. I can't speak highly enough of both Dr. Dennis and his PA Megan! Prior to my sugery, I was in intense pain on a daily basis. Dr. Dennis explained the treatment options available to me and I decided to proceed with the surgery. I had many questions regarding the procedure and what to expect during recovery and they both took the time to answer all of them thoroughly. The pain and weakness, as well as the numbness, I had prior to surgery have completley resolved. Success! The surgery itself has taken alot out of me, which is to be expected with a major surgery. I saw Megan at my 2 week post op appt and she reassured me that the pain and fatigue I am experiencing is completely normal. She again took the time to answer all of my questions in a very genuine manner and took steps to ensure my pain level was addressed. I work in the medical field with specialty physicians and I am more than aware of how rushed these physicians can be in seeing patients. Not once have I experienced this in Dr. Dennis' office. The office staff is very kind and more than efficient in returning calls and completing disability forms. Surgery is never something one wants to go through, but I feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful team taking care of me. read more

Would highly recommend Dr Dennis...honest and straight up...will tell you when you when surgery is not warranted...

I am writing this update 2 1/2 years after my spinal fusion surgery. The results have been spectacular. The for 4-6 months of recovery were real work, but I have completely pain free and able to do anything I want to do. Dr. Dennis did a spectacular job. read more

great doctor! listens and is efficient and highly skilled as a surgeon. I've had my spinal procedures done with him for the last 10 years and he's a good as it gets! read more

Dr. Dennis performed a double fusion on my lower back (L4-L5 L5-S1) over ten years ago and my only regret was that I didn't do it sooner. The guy who gave Dr. Dennis only one check didn't talk to the same Dr. Dennis I did. Dr. Dennis made it very clear that the surgery would be my choice and only after trying every other avenue had been tried. I saw him for almost 5 years before he scheduled surgery. Dr. Dennis gave me my life back and I thank him for that. read more

This man in a scumbag. See Laura b's review below -I had a similar experience: The minute something goes wrong he tells you it is all in your head. Not only did he change my medical report to hide his mistake, he told me a reaction I was having to a nerve drug he never should have prescribed would take my system up to a year to recover from -- just outside the amount of time I would have to sue him, no? This man's medical license should be destroyed. read more

My daughter is a high-level competitive figure skater who has been treated by Dr. Dennis and team since she was 9 years old. From acute injury to chronic conditions, there is none other I would trust completely with her care. Dr. Dennis' diagnostic approach has, on multiple occasions, correctly identified conditions which others most certainly would have dismissed owing to her age. A strong background in athletics has enabled Dr. Dennis not only to effectively diagnose unique conditions, but to treat with great speed and precision. With a state of the art surgical facility and on site physical therapy center, you needn't look any further for your post-op and follow-up care. The staff at NOI is professional, efficient and has frequently bent over backwards to accommodate us in our ever demanding schedule. I truly cannot say enough about Newport Orthopedic Institute and hold Dr. Dennis and his team in the highest regard. read more