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Orthopedics

Spine Center

(510) 428-3238

The Pediatric Spine Center at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals is recognized as one of Northern California's leading providers of spinal care for young people. Our team of experts is dedicated to treating scoliosis and other spinal disorders in patients ranging in development from infancy through young adulthood. Our pediatric specialists are innovators who draw on advanced technologies and treatment options to provide the best care possible. As part of UCSF Health, we also collaborate with adult spine specialists to adapt new procedures for younger patients.

In addition to our renowned surgeons, the center's team includes sports medicine physicians and physical therapists who specialize in spinal care. This range of specialists means we can evaluate and treat patients who've had spinal conditions since birth as well as patients who developed disorders or suffered spinal damage in childhood. What's more, we understand difficult-to-diagnose spinal conditions – including complicated injuries and growth disorders – that require ongoing, multifaceted care.

Getting your child back in action

We know how active kids like to be, so our primary goal is to return children and adolescents to their normal activities as soon as possible. We're also committed to your child's long-term recovery, and our treatment plans take each patient's future growth into account.

Treating scoliosis with or without surgery

We provide comprehensive care for young children with early-onset scoliosis (including infantile scoliosis) and other deformities in the growing spine. You and your child will also have access to the latest research and developments, as well as follow-up support related to scoliosis.

While we're fully equipped to provide surgery for those who need it, we start by considering nonsurgical solutions. For example, many children can thrive with braces and other support devices. The minimally invasive surgical techniques used by our orthopedic surgeons are among the most innovative treatments for scoliosis.

Thanks to our diverse team of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists and orthotists, we have a high success rate in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Our locations (4)

    Our team

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    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best in orthopedics

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Patient resources

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (2)

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    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Mateo / San Ramon / Fremont / ...
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    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Orthopedic Program's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

    Tender wagging care

    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

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