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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 from newborns to young adults.

To ensure the best care possible, children are seen by a team of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, rehabilitation specialists, orthotists and prosthetists. Our specialists draw on their knowledge of advanced technologies and treatments – many of which were pioneered at UCSF. We helped develop vertebral body tethering, a surgery for scoliosis with advantages over traditional treatments, and were among the first medical centers in the nation to offer it. As part of UCSF Health, we also collaborate with adult spine specialists to adapt procedures for younger patients and to ensure smooth transitions for those moving from pediatric to adult care.

Patients at our spine center have access to the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques. We use sophisticated imaging methods, including total spine MRI and 3D modeling, to personalize each patient's treatment plan and to guide our doctors as they perform procedures. Our expertise in leading-edge treatments, including CyberKnife radiosurgery, allows us to take a minimally invasive approach for certain conditions.

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

What's more, we participate in the Pediatric Spine Study Group, an international program enabling researchers to share data and knowledge, with the goal of improving care for children and adolescents with spine conditions.

Treating scoliosis with or without surgery

We provide comprehensive care for young children with early-onset scoliosis (including infantile scoliosis) and other spinal deformities. Through the spine center, you and your child will have access to innovative approaches based on the latest research, as well as follow-up support related to scoliosis.

While we're fully equipped to provide surgery for those who need it, our specialists start by considering nonsurgical solutions. For example, many children can thrive with braces and other support devices. Should surgery be necessary, we offer leading-edge, minimally invasive procedures for scoliosis. With an ongoing commitment to finding the best option for each child, our diverse team has high success rates in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Our locations (8)

    Patient stories

    Teen surfer saved from paralysis

    Our spine experts played a critical role in preventing paralysis in a teen after his harrowing surfing accident.

    New technology gives spine surgeons a live 3D view

    With intraoperative scanning, our spine specialists can perform safer, more precise surgery and offer patients like Malaya a faster recovery.

    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery

    • One of the nation's best for orthopedics

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Highlights of our orthopedic care

    Kid-focused care

    Our entire care team is specially trained to work with children. They understand growth and development, have expertise in pediatric conditions, and are skilled in the treatment approaches – both surgical and nonsurgical – that work best for young people.

    A broad network

    Our multiple locations across the Bay Area make it easy for families to access care. For those who live farther away, we also offer follow-up care through video visits and referrals to community-based orthopedic surgeons.

    Many experts under one roof

    At each of our facilities, patients have access to pediatric specialists, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

    Care for all ages

    We treat the full range of orthopedic concerns in pediatric patients ranging from newborns to young adults. We also ensure seamless care as our patients enter adulthood by coordinating with their new providers.

    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.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (3)

    8

    Neurosurgery Program

    Neurosurgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Los Gatos / Greenbrae / Modesto / Sacramento /...

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    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Ramon / Fremont / Walnut Creek...

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    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Support services

    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

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization 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.

    Translation, please

    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

    Request an interpreter

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