Pediatric Orthopedic Surgical Oncology
On this page
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for orthopedic surgical oncology?
We are highly experienced in caring for children with cancerous and noncancerous pediatric bone and soft tissue tumors. Our team has deep expertise in the most effective therapies to treat these tumors, so you can feel confident in your child's care.
Our pediatric cancer program is ranked among the best in the nation for pediatric cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. At UCSF, your child has access to the latest treatments, clinical trials and advanced genetic testing.
Your child's treatment is guided by the combined expertise of UCSF pediatric specialists, including medical oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and radiation oncologists. We use the latest therapies and surgical techniques, including limb-sparing surgery, to provide the best outcome for your child.
Receiving a bone or soft tissue tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Our therapists, social workers and child life specialists support you and your child through treatment and recovery.
After treatment, our rehabilitation specialists help your child regain movement, strength and balance. UCSF's orthotics and prosthetics experts can fit your child with a custom device if needed.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for orthopedic surgical oncology?
We are highly experienced in caring for children with cancerous and noncancerous pediatric bone and soft tissue tumors. Our team has deep expertise in the most effective therapies to treat these tumors, so you can feel confident in your child's care.
Our pediatric cancer program is ranked among the best in the nation for pediatric cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. At UCSF, your child has access to the latest treatments, clinical trials and advanced genetic testing.
Your child's treatment is guided by the combined expertise of UCSF pediatric specialists, including medical oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and radiation oncologists. We use the latest therapies and surgical techniques, including limb-sparing surgery, to provide the best outcome for your child.
Receiving a bone or soft tissue tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Our therapists, social workers and child life specialists support you and your child through treatment and recovery.
After treatment, our rehabilitation specialists help your child regain movement, strength and balance. UCSF's orthotics and prosthetics experts can fit your child with a custom device if needed.
Regional experts in pediatric bone tumors
Our providers specialize in treating rare and complex bone tumors in children, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma.Multispecialty pediatric cancer care
Your child's orthopedic surgical oncologist works with specialists across our pediatric cancer program to provide seamless, collaborative care.Comprehensive treatment plans
We plan and provide all aspects of your child's care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and physical therapy.Family-focused support
We provide mental and emotional support for children and their caregivers, helping your family find hope and healing during a difficult time.
Our pediatric orthopedic surgical oncology program
Our orthopedic surgeons use the latest technologies and techniques to diagnose and treat pediatric bone and soft tissue tumors. We specialize in limb-sparing surgery, aiming to keep your child's limbs as functional as possible.
Your child may receive care from a team of pediatric specialists, including experts in:
Orthopedic surgical oncology
Medical oncology
Radiation oncology
Imaging
Pathology
Physical and occupational therapy
Pain medicine
Surgery for benign bone tumors
Our surgeons remove benign (noncancerous) bone cysts and growths. Before your child's surgery, we discuss the procedure with you, so you and your child know what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Bone cysts we treat:
Aneurysmal bone cysts
Unicameral bone cysts
Bone growths and bone lesions we treat:
Chondroblastoma
Osteochondromas
Non-ossifying fibroma
Osteoid osteoma
Enchondromas
Fibrous dysplasia
Osteofibrous dysplasia
Surgery for cancerous bone and soft tissue tumors
Our pediatric orthopedic surgeons coordinate with your child's oncology team, carefully planning your child's surgery and follow-up care. We keep you and your child informed every step of the way, so you know exactly what to expect.
Our team treats all types of cancerous bone and soft tissue tumors, including:
Osteosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma
We specialize in limb-sparing surgery. During this procedure, our surgeons use artificial implants and innovative techniques to remove the tumor while keeping the limb as functional as possible.
If your child needs additional limb surgeries, world-renowned specialists in our limb lengthening and complex reconstruction program perform advanced procedures to help improve your child's limb function.
Accommodations for traveling families
Many families travel to UCSF to receive care from our pediatric bone tumor experts. To streamline your care, we can plan multiple appointments on the same day. Whenever possible, we offer virtual follow-up visits for California residents.
Rehabilitation and support services
After surgery, your child may need physical and occupational therapy to regain mobility and strength. We offer pediatric-focused rehabilitation services at several Bay Area locations. If you live out of the area, we help you find rehab services for your child closer to home.
Our orthotics and prosthetics experts may fit your child with a custom device. We also offer social services for psychological or social concerns that may arise during or after treatment.
Locations (dynamic)
Providers (dynamic)
Melissa N. Zimel, MD
Orthopedic Surgery • Orthopedic Surgery (Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors)
Kiauntee Murray, MD
Orthopedic Surgery • Orthopedic Surgery (Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors)
Rosanna Wustrack, MD
Orthopedic Surgery • Orthopedic Surgery (Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors)
Awards & achievements
Best in Northern California and top 10 in the nation for cancer care
Best in Northern California for orthopedics
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
- Bone Tumor
- Chondroblastoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing's Sarcoma
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Malignant Neoplasm of Soft Tissue
- Non-Ossifying Fibroma
- Osteochondroma
Treatments
- Bone Cancer Surgery
- Excision of Bone Cyst
- Limb-Sparing Surgery
- Physical Therapy
- Radiation Treatment
Trials & research
Clinical trials
Silmitasertib (CX-4945) in Combination With Chemotherapy for Relapsed Refractory Solid TumorsOpens in a new window
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the investigational drug, silmitasertib (a pill taken by mouth), in combination with FDA approved drugs for solid tumors...Cabozantinib With Ifosfamide in Relapsed/Refractory SarcomasOpens in a new window
The purpose of this study is to better understand how safe and effective the drug cabozantinib in combination with high-dose ifosfamide is in the treatment of children and adults with relapsed/refractory sarcomas.Comparative Effectiveness of MRgFUS Versus CTgRFA for Osteoid OsteomasOpens in a new window
Osteoid osteomas are painful, benign bone tumors that occur most frequently in young males between ages 10 and 20 years...
Research initiatives
Early-Phase Clinical Trials at UCSF: Pediatric Cancer
Search the directory of UCSF's active clinical trials open to children with cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma and brain tumors.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Beads of Courage
We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.
Camp Okizu
This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.
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.
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.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric 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.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
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.
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.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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.