Dr. P. Douglas Kiester, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. P. Douglas Kiester, who serves patients throughout the State of California.

Dr. Kiester is a seasoned orthopedic surgeon who sees patients at UCI Medical Center in Orange, California & at The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach. He does major spinal reconstruction including spinal stenosis, scoliosis, tumors, complex revision surgery, and trauma. He is also an expert in microsurgery.

UCI Health is home to some of Orange County’s most highly trained and experienced orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, and therapists treating disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Superior comprehensive care under one roof allows patients to achieve the highest degree of functional outcome possible. The surgeons have received top awards for their work and authored more than hundreds of peer-reviewed publications in the world’s leading textbooks and journals representing the best scholarship currently available in the field.

While Dr. Kiester has been on the forefront for developing new surgical devices and is a technical consultant to industry, he is very conservative and will often choose not to implant any device if he feels that is what is best for the patient. Microsurgery is very effective in some cases, and in others it should be avoided. He is very excited that the new fusion technology has almost completely eliminated the need for taking bone graft, thereby eliminating a major source of pain for the patient. 

One of the reasons that Dr. Kiester is in a University practice (serving as a Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine) is because he loves to teach. This includes teaching the patients how to best care for themselves, and simple, detailed discussions about any surgery.

Upon receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah, Dr. Kiester went on to graduate with his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his surgical internship at the University of Southern California and his residency in orthopedic surgery at Bronx-Lebanon Medical Center in New York City. He did a fellowship in spine surgery at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Chicago, and a one year fellowship in pathokinesiology (biomechanics) at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Downey, California. He was also in the PhD program in Biophysics and Computing at the University of Utah when he entered medical school. 

A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, he is a member of the Western Orthopaedic Association, the Orange County Medical Association, the California Orthopaedic Association, the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists, the Accident Reconstruction Communications Network, and the European Spine Society.

Named one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly, Dr. Kiester is board-certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Among his research interests, Dr. Kiester filed 4 patents in 2008. His research on how the lumbar spine (low back) rotates helps explain why the lumbar artificial disk replacements have had such poor results, and suggests how adult scoliosis is caused and progresses. His discovery of the mechanical cause of adolescent scoliosis promises to eventually (not for a few years yet) eliminate the need to fuse teenage spines for routine scoliosis. This model suggests that bracing in this type of scoliosis may do more harm than good. He has taught himself 5 different computer 3-D software programs over the past several years to better understand the fine points of spinal mechanics, improve spinal tools and technology, and assist in his research. 

On a more personal note, Dr. Kiester is a father and family man with six children.

Recommended Articles

• What Is the Xiphoid Process?

  Introduction The xiphoid process is the smallest part or structure of the breastbone. The structure is made of cartilage at birth, but tends to develop into a bony structure when an individual reaches adulthood. It is situated from where the lower ribs are attached to the breastbone. The pointed end...

• Signs You Need to See a Doctor for Back Pain

  There are a number of potential causes of back pain, but most of them are rare. Most cases of back pain, particularly those that go away with or without over-the-counter treatment, do not require a visit to the doctor. However, if your back pain is accompanied by any of the following signs and...

• When to Be Concerned About Sternum Pain

  IntroductionThe sternum, also called as the breastbone, is a flat bone situated at the center of the chest. It connects to the ribs through cartilages and forms the front of the rib cage, which helps protect the lungs, heart, and major blood vessels from injuries. Since the sternum is near to the...

• What are metatarsal bones?

  The five long bones of the metatarsus of the foot are known as the metatarsals. Just as metacarpals of the hand are made of different components, similarly, metatarsals are made of different components such as a proximal base, shaft, and distal head. Arches of the foot are formed by the metatarsal...

• What Conditions Does a Bone Doctor Treat?

  What is a bone doctor?A bone doctor is also known as an orthopedist or an orthopedic surgeon. Bone doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, diseases, and conditions. Their practice is also seen in other areas, such as pediatrics, sports medicine, trauma,...

• What Is Blount’s Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

  Blount's DiseaseBlount's disease is a growth disorder that causes the lower leg bones to bow outward. Although this disorder can affect people any time during growth stages, it is more commonly seen in adolescents and children who are younger than 4 years old.It is important to note that Blount’s...