Dr. Daniel S Yanni, MD

I am a 74-year-old man. I couldn't walk more than 30 feet without stopping to bend over to relieve my sciatic pain down both legs. I live in Montana and was referred to Dr. Yanni by a local neurosurgeon in my hometown. After a series of diagnostic imaging, Dr. Yanni told me I needed surgery, but that he couldn't do it right away because I was significantly overweight and that it wouldn't be safe to proceed until I had lost significant poundage. I worked on the weight loss until Dr. Yanni was satisfied we could go forward. I actually had two procedures, one decompression and laminectomy/fusion on three levels of my neck, and then 5 months later, a three level decompression/fusion and straightening procedure on my lower back. The back surgery was February 24, 2025. I spent two weeks recovering in Hoag Hospital which, in my opinion, is one of the finest hospitals and health-care systems in the nation. (I am a retired Registered Nurse and I recognize excellent care when I see and… receive it) It is April 27, 2025 as I write this. ALL of my pain is now 100% gone. No neck pain, no back pain, no sciatic pain, no incisional pain....gone. I can now walk to my heart's content. I am still under spinal precautions (no bending, lifting or twisting) and I wear a back brace when I am out of bed...but I now consider myself healed from a crippling, life-limiting disability. I have God, Dr. Yanni's attention to me as a whole patient, his extraordinary surgical skills and Hoag's wonderful supportive care to thank for it. I cannot recommend Dr. Yanni highly enough. As stated, I live in Montana, and now, after my bones fully fuse, I can look forward to getting back to my active, outdoor golden years.

Dr. Yanni changed my life. I suffered for over a decade from pain, tingling, burning, and numbness in both hands & wrists, along with constant severe neck pain. An MRI revealed I had a previously unknown injury: a severely herniated disc and disc bulge were protruding into my spinal cord. Dr. Yanni performed a cervical spinal fusion. I followed all of his guidelines, and now, 18 months later, I’m completely free of spinal pain and feel like “Me” again. I’m incredibly grateful for his expertise and compassionate care. Highly recommend!

The best Neurosurgeon in the OC. Before I committed to the ACDF surgery recommended by Dr. Yanni, I asked around and talked to several doctors. They all said that he is the best. I am so glad that I decided to go with Dr. Yanni for the surgery. Before the surgery, I was in a lot of pain and could not sleep. The pain went away 2 weeks postop. It has been a year now since and am still pain free. I respect Dr. Yanni's commitment to delivering the best care to achieve the best possible outcome. I would highly recommend anyone who needs spinal surgery to go with Dr. Yanni.

Dr. Yanni has performed 3 spinal surgeries on me (a partial lumbar discectomy in 2012 and more involved cervical and lumbar procedures in 2023). All of the surgeries went perfectly—they eliminated severe pain and restored full functionality. He came highly recommended as an amazing surgeon and has also proved to be a pleasure to work with. He is realistic and serious (as a surgeon should be) but is also warm and friendly and has a subtle sense of humor. His DiscComfort office staff are also very competent and easy to work with. This is the place to go if you need back surgery.

Dr. Yanni is amazing, I had disc C5/C6 and C6/C7 strangling my spinal cord causing tons of pain. Yanni got me into surgery in two weeks and I was pain free instantly post surgery and completely off pain meds and muscle relaxers with in 4 days. highly recommend.

Dr. Yanni has provided me with a new lease on life, having performed three separate spinal surgeries and carpal tunnel surgery on both hands, over the past nine years. These have allowed me to regain full function of my legs and hands and the ability to continue working and return to an active life. He is tops in his field and truly an artist.

Dr Yanni is the best doctor. I had C1-C7 fused and the surgery went great and so is the recovery. He is very good about explaining everything. Very nice manners and personal. His staff is also wonderful very pleasant and get back to you on a timely matter,

After 6 months of pain in my lower back, I was referred to Dr Yanni by my pain specialist Dr Gluzman. On my first visit to Dr Yanni, he had a plan. I had a synovial cyst between my L4 and L5. The pain was so bad, sitting down was not an option. He would have to remove the cyst and fuse L4 and L5. He was so empathetic and fit me in for surgery ASAP. Amber in his office coordinated all the test and appointments for me. That helped tremendously. I highly recommend Dr Yanni for his medical expertise and his positive and passionate approach. It has only been 6 weeks post op and I feel great!

Dr. Yanni did an excellent job repairing my extruded lumbar disc. Both Dr. Yanni and his staff are open, friendly and accommodating. I would not hesitate to recommend him to any family or friends needing a similar procedure.

I am writing this on behalf of my brother who is a patient of Dr. Yanni. My brother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in 2020. The melanoma had metastasized to his spine and had consumed 80% of his L4 vertebrae. Dr. Yanni spent 10 hours in surgery removing the cancer from his spine and nerves. Once that was complete he stabilized his spine with titanium hardware. My brother is walking again and ready to return to work after being off for a year. We would not be celebrating this milestone if it weren't for Dr. Yanni's great work. He saved my brothers life. We cant thank him enough.