Dr. Choll Kim, Spine Surgeon

Dr. Choll Kim, Spine Surgeon An internationally recognized spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive procedures, including
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03/06/2026

We are all in at work.
And all in at life! At Excel Spine Center, enjoying happy hour with my Formula1 team.

03/05/2026

People always ask me, “Dr. Kim, I have a spondy… do I need a fusion?” The answer is: it depends.

In this case, the patient developed adjacent level degeneration after a previous open fusion. The two levels became unstable and hypermobile, causing severe pain and difficulty standing upright.

The goal here is to realign the spine, stabilize the motion, and free the nerves. I’ll remove the previous hardware and perform a minimally invasive fusion using two paramedian incisions, placing interbody spacers and new screws to restore alignment. That’s the triple whammy we’re fixing.


Medical Disclaimer and Industry Disclosure:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

03/04/2026

I take care of a lot of golfers in my practice, and there’s a reason for that. The modern golf swing can generate up to 8 times your body weight through the lumbar discs over and over again. That kind of power puts a huge demand on the spine.

That’s why I emphasize exercise programs that build not just strength, but coordination of the muscles around the spine so they act like the world’s greatest back brace. And if surgery is ever needed, it should be minimally invasive to protect those muscles.

03/02/2026

Did you know that there are only three FDA APPROVED bone grafts for use in spine surgery? 350+ others are only FDA cleared, without the rigorous government IDE trials. The first FDA approved was Infuse, but the latest and greatest are i-Factor and Pearl Matrix. With real data and real outcomes.



Medical Disclaimer and Industry Disclosure:
The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Surgical procedures shown may not be appropriate for all individuals. Viewing this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances.

Dr. Choll W. Kim serves as a paid consultant to medical device companies that may be referenced in this video. He may receive compensation for his professional services. The views and opinions expressed are his own and do not represent those of any company.

Spine Summit 2026
03/02/2026

Spine Summit 2026

03/01/2026

We had an awesome cadaver lab at Barrow Neurological Institute during Spine Summit 2026 in Phoenix. I love training the young generation of spine surgeons who love the challenge of learning endoscopic spine surgery. They are the future, and so is endoscopic spine surgery.

02/27/2026

Supporting women’s sexual health at ISSWSH 2026 in Long Beach (Feb 13-15), with Dr. Goldstein.
Internationally Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health

02/25/2026

Does size matter when it comes to disc herniations?

Not always. When a disc leaks out, chemicals start a whole reaction
that stimulates and irritates the nerve. Just like a mosquito bite:
tiny but depending on how your body reacts, it can add up to a lot of pain.

Get your free MRI review at Excel Spine today. Link in the Bio.

01/26/2026

Endoscopic Spine Surgery Cadaver Lab Training

This is not a typical cadaver lab. This lab is specifically designed to help surgeons adopt endoscopic spine surgery and reduce the learning curve. It's not difficult because of the procedure itself. The real challenge is confusion, guesswork, and lack of support during the first case.
That is why we are using Top-Surgeon.com technique guides to prepare before the lab and to support surgeons through their first endoscopic spine surgery case. These technique guides are detailed and multimedia-based, built to help the first case go well. Because If the first case goes well, the second case becomes easier. Then the third case. Then the fourth case. Then real adoption happens.

Visit Top-Surgeon.com and use the technique guides to prepare for your first endoscopic spine surgery case.

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01/21/2026

Can an annular tear cause back pain?

Most annular tears are said to be asymptomatic, yet patients tell me that they’re still in pain when they're told that they're "only incidental findings in MRI". This video breaks down when an annular tear matters. If you’re still hurting despite being told it’s “nothing,” get a free MRI review with me at Excel Spine.

Link in the Bio

12/20/2024

Relief Without a Fusion: Minimally Invasive Hemilaminectomy

This patient had been suffering with a spondy that was causing stenosis and neurogenic claudication causing him back pain and leg pain. Of course, I always want to preserve motion when I can and avoid a fusion, so we went a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy to address the symptoms.

What is a hemilaminectomy?
A minimally invasive spine surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerves caused by spinal stenosis. Performed through a small incision part of the vertebra (lamina) is removed to create more space in the spinal canal. It preserves muscles and tissues, allowing faster recovery and less pain.

What is the recovery like?
Most patients can walk the same day after surgery. They can return to light activities within a few weeks, with full recovery typically occurring in a few months. Follow-up care often includes physical therapy and activity modifications to ensure lasting relief.

This minimally invasive approach not only alleviates pain but also helps patients regain their mobility and quality of life without compromising spinal motion. Tag someone who might find this treatment option helpful!

12/13/2024

Did you know… Annular tears in the spine can cause significant pain and discomfort, often impacting daily life. But thanks to advanced techniques like laser endoscopic spine surgery, patient can find relief!
Laser endoscopic spine surgery or LESS is a minimally invasive procedure that can precisely target and treat the damaged area, helping patients get back to doing what they love!!!

Benefits of this procedure:
-Small incision
-Go home same day
-Faster recovery

💬 Let me know what you want to know about spine health- Drop your questions!!

To find out more about minimally invasive spine surgery including the LESS procedure call or text us at (619) 344-6918 or visit www.excelspine.com

Address

6719 Alvarado Road, Ste 304
San Diego, CA
92120

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16193446918

Website

http://ExcelSpine.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3951513916/

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