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Orthopedics

Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes

The UCSF Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes is the first sports medicine clinic in Northern California to work exclusively with young people. We offer comprehensive care – evaluating, treating and training athletes, ages 5 to 25, who compete or participate at any level.

Specialized care for sports injuries in children and young adults is important because the bones and cartilage in growing bodies tend to be more susceptible to different injuries than those in physically mature athletes. Without correct treatment, overuse injuries in young athletes can lead to lasting disabilities that extend into adulthood.

Trained and experienced in the most current methods, our experts provide comprehensive medical care for injured patients to help them regain or reach their own highest levels of performance. The Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes also offers access to orthopedic surgery, including leading-edge minimally invasive surgery.

Each patient who comes to us receives care from a team of experts who works exclusively with young athletes. Our team includes:

  • Pediatric orthopedic surgeons
  • Pediatric sports medicine doctors
  • Physical therapists specializing in sports
  • Certified athletic trainers
  • Biomechanists
  • Kinesiologists
  • Certified strength and conditioning specialists
  • Sports nutritionists

Equally dedicated to athlete injury prevention, we focus on enhancing the efficiency of the training process, educating and supporting coaches and managers, and improving the understanding of sports science through the center's ongoing research.

Our locations (8)

    Related conditions

    • Ankle instability

    • Ankle sprain

    • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries

    • Bone fractures

    • Cartilage defects

    • Concussion

    • Dislocations (elbow, knee, patella, shoulder)

    • Growth plate injuries

    • Heat-related illnesses

    • Labral tears

    • Ligament tears

    • Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries

    • Meniscal tears

    • Nursemaid’s elbow

    • Osgood-Schlatter Disease

    • Osteochondritis dissecans

    • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries

    • Sprains and strains

    • Stress fractures

    • Tennis elbow

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • One of the nation's best for orthopedics

    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.

    Patient handouts

    Patient videos

    Our programs

    Dance Medicine Program

    Expert injury care and prevention for young performing artists, including dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, figure skaters and musicians

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    PlaySafe Sports Medicine Outreach Program

    Experienced UCSF sports medicine doctors and athletic trainers help high school student-athletes avoid sports injuries. Find out more.

    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.

    Learn 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.

    Learn more
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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 (4)

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    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Ramon / Fremont / Walnut Creek...
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    Sports Concussion Program

    Sports Concussion Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek
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    Sports Physical Therapy Clinic

    Sports Physical Therapy Clinic

    Oakland / San Ramon / Walnut Creek

    Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions

    Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions

    1825 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    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.

    music-program-2x

    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.

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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.

    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!

    Feeling at home

    From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.

    Visit Child Life services

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