Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Steven Garfin, MD

Professor & Chairman
Chief, Spine Surgery

Dr. Garfin is a prominent orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the adult spine with a distinguished record of clinical excellence and research achievements. The Spine Program receives referrals for care from around the world.

His leadership in national and international spine societies has included terms as President and/or member of the Board of Directors of most national and international spine societies. He trains both orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in spine care at UCSD.

Dr. Garfin has been involved in the design, use, and/or clinical trial assessment related to most new techniques which have been developed over the last two decades to treat spinal deformities and injuries. These include pedicle screws, lumbar and cervical anterior plating systems, Kyphoplasty to treat osteoporotic vertebral fractures, artificial discs, and disc/facet replacement devices.

He has published over 250 articles, authored 120 book chapters, and edited nine books.

 

Board Certification:

Orthopaedic Surgery
Experience: Dr. Garfin is Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief of the UCSD Spine Program.  He has been an orthopaedic Surgeon at UCSD since 1981.
Education:

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

Doctor of Medicine
Training:

Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery

University of California, San Diego

San Diego, CA

Fellowship in Disorders of the Spine

Pennsylvania Hospital

Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Interests: Back pain, Sciatica, Radiculopathy, Neck pain, Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Herniated disk, Verterbral Compression Fracture, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Reconstructive spine surgery, Failed Back Syndrome, Spinal tumors, Spinal infections, Spinal Cord injury, Spinal instability
Hospital Affiliations:

UCSD Thornton Hospital, La Jolla

UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest
Office Address:

Perlman Ambulatory Care Center

9350 Campus Point Drive

La Jolla, CA 92037

For an appointment call:  858-657-8200