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 from newborns to young adults.
Our pediatric specialists are innovators who draw on advanced technologies and treatments to provide the best care possible. We helped develop the vertebral body tethering procedure, 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 new procedures for younger patients.
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. Should surgery be necessary, we offer the most innovative, minimally invasive procedures 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)
Patient stories
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.
Our team
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Peter P. Sun
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Kurtis Auguste
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Celina de Borja
MD
Primary care sports medicine specialist -
Mohammad Diab
MD
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon -
Nalin Gupta
MD, PhD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Winson S. Ho
MD
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
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
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
Fetal surgery firsts