Expert spine and neurosurgical care, built on clear answers.
He treats hard spine problems in adults. That includes curved or unbalanced spines, repeat spine surgery, and rebuilding the neck and lower back. The goal is a clear diagnosis and the plan that works with the least surgery possible.
UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
The right decision starts with understanding the whole picture.
Dr. Joseph Osorio is a brain and spine surgeon (neurosurgeon) at UC San Diego Health. He treats hard spine problems in adults. That includes curved or unbalanced spines, repeat spine surgery, and rebuilding the neck and lower back. He starts with the simplest option. He uses small (minimally invasive) surgery, or larger surgery to rebuild the spine, only when it is truly needed.
Dr. Osorio also does research. He leads a study called the COMPASS Registry, which looks for better ways to measure and treat spine shape problems. He cares for people whose spine is getting worse over time, people who had spine surgery that did not work, and people with problems that cross between neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery.
Areas Dr. Osorio treats.
A starting point, not a complete list. If you are not sure where you fit, the screening assistant can help.
- Curved or unbalanced spine in adults (spinal deformity)
- Side-to-side or forward curve of the spine (scoliosis and kyphosis)
- Repeat spine surgery (revision surgery)
- Neck problems (cervical spine)
- Lower back problems (lumbar spine)
- Narrowing of the spine canal that pinches nerves (spinal stenosis)
- Worn-out discs in the spine (degenerative disc disease)
- Spine surgery through small cuts (minimally invasive)
What a first appointment actually looks like.
Records first
Relevant prior records, imaging, and test results are reviewed before you arrive, so your visit is focused and productive.
An honest evaluation
A focused evaluation, then a frank conversation about what is likely going on, what the next step should be, and whether more testing is needed first.
A real plan in writing
You leave with a clear plan, a written summary, and a contact path, so you know what happens next and why.
What patients say about Dr. Osorio.
Verified patient reviews from UC San Diego Health, collected through independent post-visit surveys (NRC Health). See UCSD provider profile.
“I am very grateful to Ms. Rebeca Lutez, Dr. Joseph Osorio's assistant. And I am very blessed that Dr. Joseph Osorio was the doctor who performed my surgery and followed up. He is an excellent doctor, a human being, and very professional. I am very grateful to UCSD. Thank you.”
“Thank you to Dr. Joe Osorio for taking the time to meet with me. He was very thorough, detailed. He set my mind at ease and I appreciate him very much. Thank you.”
“Dr. Osorio is one of the best doctors I have seen in the U.S. and abroad. He is very knowledgeable, analytical, professional and friendly. His team members are excellent as well.”
Call the office to be seen
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