
Spine Center
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)
Explore what we do
New technology gives spine surgeons a live 3D view
With intraoperative scanning, our spine specialists can perform safer, more precise surgery and offer patients a faster recovery.
Our team
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Peter P. Sun
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Celina de Borja
MD
Primary care sports medicine specialist -
Mohammad Diab
MD
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon -
Nalin Gupta
MD, PhD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Lionel Metz
MD
Orthopedic surgeon -
Coleen S. Sabatini
MD, MPH
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon -
Ishaan Swarup
MD
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon -
Rhonda A. Watkins
MD, MPH
Primary care sports medicine specialist -
Kathleen (Kaye) Rimando
RN, BSN
Nurse
Awards & recognition
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One of the nation's best in orthopedics
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
Plan your visit
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
Support services
Tender wagging care
Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.
Visit Child Life services