Journal of Spine

Kee D Kim

Biography

 Dr. Kim is a neurosurgeon and the chief of spinal neurosurgery. He has a special interest and expertise in dealing with challenging spinal disorders requiring surgical treatment. He has vast experience in complex spine surgery, regardless of etiology, including tumor, infection, degenerative spine and trauma. He is at the forefront of computer-assisted spine surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and spinal instrumentation.

As a co-director of the UC Davis Spine Center, Dr. Kim is involved in multiple clinical trials as a primary investigator. He innovates and evaluates different cutting-edge technology to advance the field.   Recent examples include the use of stem cells for disc regeneration and bony healing, the use of pharmaceutical agents for spinal cord injuries, and clinical evaluations of artificial disc and minimally invasive surgery.  His research focuses on using the advances in different fields to bring about tangible improvement in patient care and surgical outcome.

He also devotes much of his time and resources to further the training  of other surgeons both locally and abroad.  As the UC Davis neurosurgery spine fellowship director, he has trained many residents and fellows who have gone on to become spine specialists in their respective groups. He has published numerous manuscripts and book chapters dealing with myriad of spinal disorders.  As an expert recognized in his field, he has spoken at many national and international meetings.  Dr. Kim’s primary focus, however, remains providing the best possible care to his patients.

Research Interest

 Cervical Laminectomy, Laminectomy, Spinal arteriovenous malformations