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The UCSF Spine Center is one of the largest centers of its kind in the country, treating 10,000 patients a year. It brings together world-renowned specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, neurology, psychiatry and other specialties to design the most effective treatment for each patient's condition. The team includes experts in cancer, pain management, physical therapy, radiation oncology and rheumatology.

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Our services

Our services include:

  • Minimally invasive cervical and lumbar techniques
  • Motion-sparing surgery, such as artificial disc replacement
  • Complex revision spine surgery
  • Innovative surgical techniques for spinal tumors
  • Computerized three-dimensional surgery
  • Noninvasive radiosurgery using CyberKnife
  • New treatments and opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials to test them

We also offer a Spine Tumor Board, which reviews challenging spinal tumor cases every month, and a Spine Rapid Case Review service for urgent conditions that can't wait for the monthly tumor board.

Our patients have access to the most up-to-date imaging technologies for diagnosing spinal disorders and to innovative treatments that are not widely available – for example, the lateral paramedian transpedicular technique, developed by a UCSF surgeon for removing cervical tumors previously thought to be inoperable.

Doctor referral required

Our locations (7)

    Our team

    Decorative Caduceus

    Prospective Evaluation of Complex Adult Spinal Deformity (CAD) Treated With Minimally Invasive ...

    Scoliosis specific patient reported outcome

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    The Ailliance Post-Market Clinical Study

    Defined by amount of: 1) blood loss (mL) during surgery and/or 2) total operation time and/or 3) length of stay in the hospital (measured from surgery completion to discharge), and/or 4) investigator opinion on whether the device(...

    Recruiting

    Awards & recognition

    • U S  News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • U S  News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as number 3 in the country for neurology and neurosurgery for 2024 to 2025

      Best in the West and No. 3 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery

    • One of the nation's best for orthopedic care

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Special programs

    Spine Rapid Case Review

    The Spine Center at UCSF Health provides a rapid case review, within 48 hours of submission, to evaluate complex, challenging spine tumor cases.

    Spine Tumor Board

    The UCSF Spine Center holds a monthly Spine Tumor Board to review challenging cases involving primary tumors of the spine and that have spread to the spine.

    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 condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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    Related clinics

    San Mateo Primary and Specialty Care

    1100 Park Place, Suite 100
    San Mateo, CA 94403

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    (888) 689-8273

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