Daniel Kim, MD | Spine Surgeon Birmingham & Hoover AL

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Spine

Request an Appointment

205-939-3699

Patient Ratings

4.9 Star review based on 121 patient ratings

Rate Dr. Kim

Biography

Hide Full Bio

Daniel C. Kim, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center and a member of the Andrews Spine team.

He specializes in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions, with particular expertise in endoscopic spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction.

Dr. Kim sees patients at Andrews Sports Medicine’s Birmingham and Hoover – Highway 150 clinic locations, providing comprehensive spine care for patients throughout Birmingham, Hoover and communities across Central Alabama.

Spine Surgery Expertise

Dr. Kim provides advanced surgical treatment for conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, with particular expertise in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Cervical Spine Surgery
Lumbar Spine Surgery
Complex Spinal Reconstruction
Complex & Revision Spine Surgery
Spinal Deformity Surgery

Conditions Treated

Dr. Kim treats a wide range of neck, back and spine conditions, including:

Herniated Discs
Cervical & Lumbar Radiculopathy
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spondylolisthesis
Cervical Spine Conditions
Lumbar Spine Conditions
Adult Spinal Deformity
Spinal Fractures
Complex Spine Conditions

Advanced Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Kim is recognized for his expertise in innovative, minimally invasive approaches to spine care. He was an early adopter of endoscopic spine surgery in the Birmingham region, helping bring this advanced technique to Alabama patients seeking less-invasive alternatives to traditional open spine procedures.

Endoscopic spine surgery uses specialized instruments and a small camera to access and treat certain spinal conditions through very small incisions. For appropriately selected patients, these techniques may reduce disruption to surrounding muscles and tissue and support a more efficient recovery.

Dr. Kim’s practice extends beyond endoscopic procedures. He treats a broad range of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions using an individualized approach that may include non-surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery or complex spinal reconstruction when necessary.

His goal is to identify the most appropriate treatment for each patient while preserving function and helping them return to the activities that matter most.

National Recognition in Spine Surgery

Dr. Kim has earned national recognition for his work in spine surgery and his commitment to advancing the specialty.

In 2022, the North American Spine Society recognized Dr. Kim as one of its SpineLine “20 Under 40,” highlighting emerging leaders making significant contributions to the field of spine care.

He was also selected to participate in the 2024 Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Traveling Fellowship. Through the fellowship, Dr. Kim visited leading orthopaedic and neurosurgical institutions and trained alongside internationally respected spine surgeons in advanced minimally invasive techniques. His fellowship experience concluded with a podium presentation at the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

Read More About Dr. Kim

Technology-Driven, Patient-Focused Spine Care

Dr. Kim has long been interested in the intersection of medicine, surgery and technology. Growing up in Silicon Valley helped shape his interest in innovation and ultimately influenced his approach to spine surgery.

Today, he incorporates evolving surgical technologies and techniques into his practice when they can meaningfully improve patient care. Technology, however, is only one part of his approach. Dr. Kim believes treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, beginning with an accurate diagnosis and a clear understanding of the patient’s symptoms, goals and lifestyle.

Whenever appropriate, treatment begins with conservative, non-surgical options. When surgery is necessary, Dr. Kim works with each patient to determine the procedure and surgical approach best suited to their condition.

Education & Spine Surgery Training

Originally from San Francisco, California, Dr. Kim earned bachelor’s degrees in physiology and Spanish from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He subsequently earned a master’s degree in physiology from Georgetown University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Dr. Kim completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of South Alabama, where he served as Academic Chief Resident. He then completed fellowship training in spine surgery at Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, one of the institutions that helped shape the development of modern spine surgery.

Andrews Spine

As part of Andrews Spine, Dr. Kim works alongside a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping patients overcome neck and back pain, spinal injuries and complex spine conditions.

Andrews Spine brings together surgical and non-surgical spine specialists with advanced diagnostic capabilities, interventional treatments and modern surgical techniques to provide comprehensive spine care within the Andrews Sports Medicine model.

Whether treatment requires rehabilitation, an image-guided procedure, minimally invasive or endoscopic spine surgery, or a more complex surgical solution, the goal remains the same: develop the right treatment plan for the individual patient and help them achieve Victory Over Injury®.

Outside of Medicine

Outside of work, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active through soccer, golf, tennis and hiking. He and his wife welcomed their first child, a son, in 2023.

Medical Training & Education

View Education

Leadership Honors Certifications Research Publications

Leadership/Professional/Service Committee
Co-Chair, Early Advisory Committee, North American Spine Society
Vice Chair, AI Task Force, North American Spine Society
Candidate Member, Scoliosis Research Society
Member, Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Member, North American Spine Society
Member, International Society for Advancement of Spine Surgery
Member, Korean American Spine Society
Member, Yelton Essay Committee, Alabama Orthopaedic Society

JOURNAL REVIEWERSHIP/EDITORIAL POSITIONS
Reviewer, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Reviewer, SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
Reviewer, BMJ Case Reports

MIS decompression with unilateral noninstrumented facet fusion in treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with lumbar spinal stenosis – PI: James Schwender Twin Cities Spine Center, 2020-Present
Long term review of clinical and radiographic outcomes of MIS decompression versus MIS TLIF

Outcomes Following Occipitocervical Fusion in Complex Suboccipital Spine Trauma –PI: W. George Rusyniak, M.D.
University of South Alabama, 2018-2020
Retrospective review of outcomes following complex cervical spine trauma treated with occipitocervical fusion at a level 1 trauma center.

Anterior Approach Fixation for Treatment of Lumbar Burst Fractures – PI: Anthony Martino, M.D.
University of South Alabama, 2017-current
Retrospective review of outcomes following anterior corpectomy with expandable cage reconstruction and anterolateral screw-rod fixation for operative lumbar burst fractures.

Humeral Head Cysts in Youth Athletes – PI: Steve Jordan M.D.
Andrews Institute, 2017-current
Retrospective MRI study investigating incidence, etiology, and significance of humeral head cysts seen at rotator cuff insertion in young overhead athletes.

Open Fracture Protocol, University of South Alabama Medical Center – PI: Jeffrey Brewer M.D
University of South Alabama, 2017-current
Establishment of a multidisciplinary protocol for emergent management and medical treatment of open fractures, with investigation of outcomes post implementation at a level 1 trauma center.

Biomechanical study of torque on external fixation devices – PI: Jeffrey Brewer M.D.
University of South Alabama, 2017
Biomechanical analysis of torque necessary for validated stability in external fixation, with design for increased ease and efficiency of implementation. Mentoring of biomechanical graduate students in school of engineering.

Expedited weight bearing after ankle fractures using a tibiotalar joint offloading device – PI: Mark Perry M.D.
University of South Alabama, 2015-current DCK Page 4
Prospective randomized controlled trial determining quality of life scores, ankle function scores, and return to work rates associated with use of an ankle offloading device for expedited weight bearing after ankle fracture fixation.

Outcomes of CT guided custom patellofemoral arthroplasty – Albert Pearsall M.D.
University of South Alabama, 2016- 2017
Determine knee functional scores, quality of life outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and morbidity associated with custom CT guided patellofemoral arthroplasty in a single center experience.

Return to sports following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis – Ryan Muchow M.D.
University of Kentucky/Shriner’s Hospital Lexington, 2014-2015
Determine pre and post surgical level of sport, timing of return, and factors affecting return to sports following posterior spinal fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Syme and Boyd amputations in congenital fibular deficiency – PI: Ryan Muchow M.D.
University of Kentucky/Shriner’s Hospital Lexington, 2014-2015
Measuring clinical outcomes of different surgical procedures for treatment of children with congenital fibular deficiency

Management of midshaft clavicle fractures – PI: Srinath Kamineni M.D.
University of Kentucky, 2013-2015
Critical review of current nonoperative and operative management, indications, classification systems, especially with regard to pin vs. plate fixation.

Surgical Outcomes Analysis of Lobectomy Techniques – PI: Sibu Saha M.D., M.B.A University of Kentucky, 2010-2014
Assessing short and long term morbidity & of sublobar vs. lobar resection and adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy for treatment of non small cell lung cancer.

Cardiothoracic Imaging – PI: Michael Winkler, M.D., Vincent Sorrell, M.D.
University of Kentucky, 2012-2013
Studying the underlying causes of cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular disease using multiple imaging modalities.

Vascular Calcification in Breast Cancer – Stefan Ruehm, M.D.
UCLA, 2007-2009
Clinical study investigating possible correlation between breast arterial calcification and CAD as determined by coronary CTA and digital mammography.

Electrical Stimulation of Spinal Cord following Spinal Cord Injury – V. Reggie Edgerton, Ph.D. DCK Page 5
UCLA, 2005-2007
Examined effects of spinal cord injury on locomotion using rat models and gait parameter measurement.

Inducers of Biofilm Production of Coag Negative Staph – Jeff F. Miller, Ph.D.
UCLA, 2004-2006
Investigated the effects of various medical products on the biofilm production and virulence of S. epidermidis.

Original Articles

Kim D, Laskay N, Alcala C, Schwender J. Minimally Invasive Decompression with Non-instrumented Facet Fusion versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Stenosis associated with Grade 1 Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. Clin Spine Surg. Accepted ahead of print.

Kim D, Carlson BC, Shafa E, Mehbod AA. Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure Management for Posterior Lumbar Spine Infections. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 May 1;30(9):395-399. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00032. Epub 2022 Jan 31. PMID: 35113078.

Kim D, Padhye K, Schwender E, Shafa E. Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Fasciotomy in Lumbar Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome, JBJS Case Connector: October-December 2021 - Volume 11 - Issue 4 - e21.00376 doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00376

Kim DC, Boyd EJ, Boyd TA, Granger HE, Menger RP. Severe hypotension with loss of motor evoked potentials during dervical surgery prompting immediate cardiovascular resuscitation. J Surg Neurol. 2021 Jun; 12:281. doi: 10.25259/SNI_336_2021

Kim DC, Padhye P, Shafa E. Posterior instrumented fusion of unstable three-column hyperextension cervical fracture. Orthopedics Today 2021:41(3):19,21-22.

Michaeli D, Rajendra R, Kim DC, Goodlett MD, Humphries JR, Nimityongskul P. Schmid Type Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia in a Large Single Genetic Lineage. J Human Clin Gen. (2021);3(1):1-8.

Kim DC, Cutchen W, Teachey W, Brewer J, Nimityongskul P. Pediatric Olecranon Osteochondral Flap Fractures With Subtle Radiographic Abnormality J Hand Surg Am. 2020;S0363-5023(20)30173-8. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.03.020

Kim, DC, Honeycutt MW, Riehl JT. Hip fractures: current review of treatment and management, Current Orthopaedic Practice July/August 2019 30(4): 385-394 doi: 10.1097/BCO.0000000000000771

Kim D, Handwerger A, Riehl J. Pediatric Ipsilateral Supracondylar Humerus Fracture and Radial Head Dislocation. Case Rep Orthop Res 2018; 1;62-66. https://doi.org/10.1159/000495...

Kim D, Glenzer S, Johnson A, Nimityongskul P. Deep Infection Following Dry Needling in a Young Athlete: An Underreported Complication of an Increasingly Prevalent Modality. JBJS Case Connector. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00097

Burnham J, Kim D, Kamineni S. Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Critical Review. Orthopedics. 2016 Sep 1; 39(5): e814-21.

Kim D, Nimityongskul P, Martino A. CHARGE syndrome and Tethered Cord. USA Orthopaedic Journal 2015-2016: Vol 1, Pg 78-79.

Kim D, Ferraris V, Davenport D, Saha S. (2014) Outcomes of Lobar and Sub-Lobar Resections for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Center Experience. Southern Medical Journal. 2015 Apr; 108(4): 230-4.

Book Chapters

Kim D, Menger RP. Spine Sagittal Balance. [Updated 2018 Nov 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2018 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...

Kim D, Menger RP. Fracture, Cervical, C1. [Updated 2018 Nov 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2018 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...

Kim D, Gillig J. “Posterior Approach to Hip Arthroplasty.” Outlines in Orthopaedic Surgery. Thieme, 2018. Ch 11.

Honeycutt W, Kim D. “Both Bone Forearm Fracture.” Outlines in Orthopaedic Surgery. Thieme, 2018. Ch 6.

Kim D, Pearsall A: “Rotator Cuff Pathology.” Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship. Springer, 2017. Chapter 8, Pg: 43-46.

Kim D, Pearsall A: “Clavicle Fractures.” Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship. Springer, 2017. Chapter 12, Pg: 61-63.

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Request an Appointment With
Daniel C. Kim, MD

Comeback Stories

After decades of debilitating back pain following a traumatic accident, I embarked on a journey that would test my limits and ultimately change my life. With the expert care of Dr. Daniel Kim and a team devoted to my recovery, I finally found hope, healing, and a return to the activities I love.
Learn More

Iris Gibbs | Montgomery, AL
At the age of 77, a severe back injury nearly ended my active ministry and global travels. But thanks to Dr. Daniel Kim’s innovative two-stage surgery, I regained my mobility and quickly returned to my work in Congo, managing my boat and continuing my spiritual mission. My story is a testament to faith, medical skill, and determination—proof that age is no barrier to a full and purposeful life.
Learn More

David Saunders | Leeds, Alabama
One of the things that was most impressive to me about Dr. Kim, was when I was researching and reading about him online, was his 4.9 Google rating. As a spine surgeon with 4.9 rating out of 5 speaks volumes to the type of doctor he is. After having experienced Dr. Kim firsthand, I absolutely believe no one is exaggerating anything written and every word of every review is 100% accurate.
Learn More

Cathy Poage | Millbrook, AL
Back in Birmingham, my condition deteriorated further, and paralysis fully set in. Amidst skepticism and neglect from other medical professionals, Dr. Daniel C. Kim stood out as a beacon of hope. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Kim quickly diagnosed an abscess on my spine linked to the kyphosis. An immediate surgical intervention by Dr. Kim saved me from the brink of permanent paralysis. Reflecting on that critical moment, I realized that without Dr. Kim's swift action, walking again would have been an impossibility.
Learn More

Steven Cramer | Birmingham, AL

View All Dr. Kim Comeback Stories

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Comeback Stories

Media Center