Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists stands for excellence in orthopaedic health care throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We have been anchored in L.A. since 1947, when Dr. Donald Spiers and Dr. Lewis Kistler, the two co-founders, ensured that all partnering doctors - Dr. Howard Hambrecht, Dr. Christopher Jessen, and Dr. Russell Vergess - understood that respectful care was paramount. Today, our practice has four orthopaedic surgeons, a staff of physician assistants, an x-ray technician and a helpful administrative staff to take care of our patients. We serve the entire family - from children to seniors. We deliver care to sports enthusiasts, seniors, business executives, carpenters, mothers, fathers, and grandparents.

Our Philosophy

We are committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients. Our goal is to return our patients to the best level of function possible. This goal requires expert knowledge of a patient's problems and effective state-of-the-art treatment solutions. After a comprehensive diagnosis has been made, treatment is geared towards restoration of function, pain control, and return to pre-injury activity level. Our approach involves a thorough understanding of the patient's needs, use of modern diagnostic modalities, treatment with multiple conservative measures, and ultimately, advanced surgical techniques when absolutely necessary.
 

Why Choose Our Practice?

Committed to conservative treatment
We generally follow non-surgical conservative approaches to treat orthopaedic problems. We use highly effective protocols for pain management, physical therapy and rehabilitation. When and if surgery is required, we prefer minimally invasive surgical techniques and use the most up to date technologies in orthopaedic implants.

Fellowship training and board certification means expertise
Our doctors have expertise beyond regular orthopaedic surgery. We are trained in specific orthopaedic subspecialties during fellowships at prominent institutions. We are board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Clinically and academically active
We teach orthopaedic courses to other doctors, regularly attend continuing medical education courses, research and publish papers in orthopaedic journals, have developed innovative devices used nationally in orthopaedic surgery, and have developed natural musculoskeletal health supplements.

Most of our new patients are referred to us by other doctors, friends, and family
We are staff surgeons at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center located in the Los Angeles area. Our practice is the most referred to orthopaedic practice by other doctors at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Doctors refer their patients to us because they know that we are extremely responsive to patients’ needs.

Focused, available, and involved in the community
We provide you with one-on-one care. We offer same day appointments for emergencies. We are always available to patients and referring doctors. Our doctors have traveled to Haiti to provide orthopaedic medicine to Haitians; we also serve as team doctors for local Los Angeles high schools, and lecture often about current topics in orthopaedics.

Convenience and technologically up to speed
In our office, we offer services such as bracing, x-rays, casting, and splinting. These onsite services ensure that you will be properly fitted with the orthotics that best protect you from additional injury. Lab work and physical therapy services are only steps away from our office door. We record your medical history, condition and treatment digitally by using an Electronic Medical Record system which enables us to have better communication with you and your primary care physician. EMR technology maximizes your privacy.