I had spine surgery with Dr. Burch last month and am very pleased with the process and results. Parking was easy since I was supposed to be outpatient surgery but ended up being hospitalized overnight for pain control. Dr. Burch and the orthopedic spine team are a well oiled machine. My neurosurgeon at UC Davis Medical Group essentially gave up on me and didn't want to do further surgery even though I was in horrific pain and had God awful nerve issues in both feet and legs due to a terrible disc herniation. Dr. Burch was kind enough to see me as a second opinion and was able to see me much quicker than I've ever been seen at UC Davis. He told me it wasn't fair to either of us to formulate a gameplan without updated imaging which I completely agreed with. Upon getting fresh CT and MRI scans he recommended a L4-5 foraminotomy and microdiscectomy. I agreed and we tentatively scheduled surgery that day for a few months later. I checked in to outpatient surgery and was told they were running a little behind. No biggie; things happen and sometimes there are minor complications or hiccups. I've been that person before so I'm empathetic. I was brought back some time later and changed into my gown and had an IV administered. Dr. Burch came by a bit later and we went over the established gameplan one last time. The anesthesiologist came by a bit later and we went over things one last time before they brought me into the operating room a short time later. I woke up in a little worse pain than I'd anticipated and hoped, but sometimes that's the reality of having multiple spine surgeries in a 10 year period and having scar tissue. They closed me with staples which was a first and they were a little uncomfortable and took a little getting used to but they weren't terrible. They recommended admitting me overnight for pain control and my wife and I agreed. I slept better than I have in any other hospital. UCSF Medical Center was clean and easy to navigate. All of the medical staff were so kind and empathetic. I was discharged fairly early the following morning and we made the trek back to the greater Sacramento area. I've been dealing with chronic lower back pain since 2017 when my car was struck by a distracted driver. I had an open microdiscectomy in 2018 and a endoscopic microdiscectomy in 2025. I feel better than I have in years and my nerve issues have vastly improved. Spine surgery typically doesn't always improve your lower back pain but it oftentimes is successful in improving other issues such as nerve pain or weakness in your feet or legs. I couldn't be happier with the results and I can't thank Dr. Burch, Ariana, the orthopedic spine team, and everyone at UCSF Medical Center for taking great care of me. Dr. Burch and Ariana both have a great bedside manner and treat you with common courtesy and respect. They're both very knowledgeable and give you terrific advice to set you up for success as well as give you realistic expectations while informing you of the potential complications and side effects. A special kudos to Ariana and May for helping navigate everything, particularly the curveball my insurance company decided to throw us when they denied the surgery 36 hours beforehand due to "medical necessity." Ariana was able to schedule a peer to peer consultation with my insurance company the following day and helped advocate for the procedure to be done at UCSF since UC Davis couldn't perform it until October. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for a great experience and giving me renewed passion for life. Living with chronic pain is awful and something I wouldn't wish upon anyone and I'm looking forward to beginning physical therapy in the coming weeks and fulfilling my goal of taking my daughters for their first bike ride with daddy on my daughter's 10th birthday in February. I taught both of them how to ride their bikes but have never been able to ride alongside them due to spinal instability and pain. read more

Shane Burch, MD - My why! My family. Sometimes it's the only thing we have at our disposal. NEVER give up! Keep fighting- things can and will get better! - Orthopedists Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's been over three years since Dr. Shane Birch performed my lower back depression surgery, I can't believe from using a cane all the time. now I walk around like I've never had a back problem. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Birch and the UCSF team and the whole staff the way I was treated. Unbelievable read more

Shane Burch, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been dealing with a very debilitating sacroiliac joint problem for the last 15 months. I could not find anyone who knew how to treat it. In doing an online search, I saw great reviews for Dr Burch and booked an appointment. I count myself very lucky to be having SI Joint surgery with Dr. Shane Burch. Not only is he a world class surgeon but he's one of the few top back surgeons who recognizes SI joint as a real problem that deserves its own treatment plan apart from the back. He does the SI joint surgery as minimally invasive surgery where you are discharged home the same day. He is very easy to talk to, knowledgeable, direct, and everything about the experience with Dr. Burch has been great. Do your research but if you think you might have SI joint problem that other doctors been puzzled by, book an appointment with him. He will know how to help you. read more

The best Orthopedic surgeon in northern ca . Dr Burch is professional, knowledgeable, caring and the only Orthopedic surgeon who will not rush into surgery before he recommends other options . Both Dr Burch and his team/ staff are amazing . read more

Dr. Shane Burch is the top scoliosis, spinal deformity surgeon on the planet in my humble opinion! Dr. Burch and the entire team at UCSF Spine Center including but not limited to UC San Francisco Medical Center saved my life in every way, during a 2 day spine fusion surgery in June 2020! There is a reason Dr. Shane Burch & entire orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons at UCSF Spine Center are internationally recognized for their cutting edge surgical procedures. Continued gratitude for the entire team. read more

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UCSF I am very please with the staff , they took very good care of me. During my Recovery stay , Dr Burch and his staff very professional , He's amazing doctor, I had a 10 hour Spine surgery, And I am walking, he's very professional , and pleasant. I cannot thanks him enough, if you get this doctor, you're in good hands. Highly recommend him. read more

Are you kidding me? Dr. Shane Burch at UCSF is The VERY BEST!! After several years of deterioration, my spine was a mess! My local orthopedic was not confident that he could help me, so he sent me to Dr. Burch. Because of the Covid shut down that year, I spent most of it in agony. My Initial consultation with Dr. Burch was my first ray of hope. He patiently explained what he could do and what I might expect. Finally, months later, I endured a 9 hour surgery the first day, and a 9.5 hour surgery the next day. Dr. Burch's skill and expertise is remarkable. 11 fusions and two rods later, I'm pain free and extremely grateful that there were no complications and healing and physical therapy gave me my life back ..my case was very complicated and challenging. Dr. Shane Burch is the Very Best! read more

I am a 76-year old patient, a retired cardiology researcher at UCSF. I was performed spinal stenosis surgery at the Shanghai Fudan university hospital, China during the period of pandemic. Unfortunately, the outcome is not satisfied. In this situation, my chief-surgeon and other orthopedic colleagues strongly recommended me to go to the UCSF spinal center and seek the further management from Dr. Shane Burch. They said that UCSF spinal center is one of the best centers for the treatment and research of spinal disorders. Dr. Burch is a leading expert in handling various complex pre-operative and post-operative spinal problems. He enjoys a high reputation and has earned respect among his peers around the world. I fell so happy that I have become a patient of Dr. Burch. I appreciate all cares from Dr. Burch and his excellent team. I expect to throw away my walking cane finally, as Dr. Burch said. Thanks again to UCSF spinal center, Dr. Burch and all his team members! read more

Shane Burch, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I had lower back surgery over 20 yrs ago with good resolution of some mild to moderate sciatic pain. My pain came back recently and was constant and occasionally unbearable. I visited the UCSF Spine Center and was referred to Dr. Burch. Dr. Burch understood the dire situation that I was dealing with and immediately scheduled me for treatment, which resulted in immediate and complete pain relief. I am a healthcare professional myself and I would give him 6 stars if I could. He is caring and competent, and it shows when you meet him. read more

After suffering excruciating pain for over two years because of two botched surgeries, I was finally able to get in to see Dr. Burch. I was ready to give up, thinking there was no one that could help me. Dr. Burch performed a 7 1/2 hour surgery on my back. As soon as I was able to walk, all of that horrible pain was gone. I cannot thank Dr. Burch enough for giving me hope. I feel the best I have felt in three years. I would recommend Dr. Burch to anyone who has almost lost hope!!!!! Linda L. read more

Dr Shane Burch missed a very clear problem on my MRI L4/L5 and subsequently put me through an unpleasant and useless nerve conductor test and an MRN (I already had several MRIs). He continued to tell me that nothing was physically wrong until I was referred to a competent Dr. Once I saw Dr Sibel Deviren, my back pain was handled properly. She reviewed my MRIs and immediately saw a herniation between L4/L5, and was s shocked that Dr Burch missed it. She was able to solve my pain with a steroid injection. She also noticed that I had a labral tear in my hip and referred me to Orthopaedic. Dr Burch put me through needless pain and expensive tests due to his negligence. read more

I've had back issues since my 30's, but 7 years ago the pain was becoming unrelenting - so much so that I retired from my 40 year dental practice at age 66. I'd had injections and too many pain pills to count. I was referred to a local spine surgeon who looked at my scoliosis and immediately referred me to UCSF Spine Center. I saw Dr. Burch who completed diagnostic images, then injections - no relief - and he suggested surgery. Dr. Burch fused 14 vertebrae in January, 2022, and by February I could walk a mile at my favorite hilly park. In March, I could walk 3 miles without pain! Now I can visit museums and go shopping again and not dread the ordeal. I highly recommend Dr. Burch and his competent and caring staff. read more

I met with Dr. Burch in May 2022 after having an MRI showing a bulging disc and a cyst on my spine. I chose Dr. Burch after reading his bio. I was delighted to learn he is a professor, researcher, and athlete. His research is in long term outcomes of surgery. I'm an active 68 year old scuba diver. When I met him (my husband was on speaker phone) he exuded knowledge and confidence. He took the time to answer all my questions. I have a medical background and researched the techniques he proposed. My surgery was on Aug 3, 2022. I had a minimally invasive spinal fusion. I spent 2 nights in the hospital care where the nursing care was outstanding. I had been going to physical therapy before the surgery, and restarted 6 weeks after surgery. I'm healing well. I highly recommend Dr. Burch and UCSF. read more

After four years of unyielding pain, Dr. Shane Burch gave me my life back. I had been suffering with chronic sacroiliac joint pain and had exhausted the roster of injections, ablation and other interventions. Surgery was my last remaining option. Thankfully, my orthopedist, Dr. Mark Ignatius, referred me to Dr. Burch. I had never had any kind of surgery before, so I was very anxious, particularly because SI joint syndrome is notoriously difficult to definitively diagnose. I met with Dr. Burch four times before committing to the procedure, and each time he considered my questions with a warm, straightforward approach, never showing frustration at my deliberations and fears. Dr. Burch patiently explained the surgery. I had fusion of the SI joint using a posterior approach with minimal soft tissue disruption. Unlike many joint fusion procedures, mine was actually outpatient. I was admitted around 8 in the morning and in the car headed home before noon - crazy. I was able to (slowly) walk up the stairs to my house without assistance. My recovery has been remarkable. I was walking a mile a day within 10 days.I have gone from barely able to stand to be in my body, in any position before, to walking three miles a day and doing PT. Dr. Burch saved me from aging before my time. He gave me and my family hope we desperately needed. Four months ago, if anyone had told me I'd be where I am today, I would have laughed. I truly never expected to see this place again - and certainly not in under a year. If you're suffering from SI joint pain, do the research, find out what's right for you. But if you're at the point you need surgery, choose UCSF Spine Center, and insist upon Dr. Shane Burch. He gave me my life back. read more

Dr. Burch is an excellent Doctor. This guys has great bedside manor, actually cares about his patients, and is an advocate for you. He has a team of Physicians that examine you, and collaborate on your care plan. UCSF is truly a special place, and the level of care is head and shoulders above the rest. For complex spinal issues this is the place to go, no doubt. The bonus is the awesome views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the park, and beautiful SF from their waiting room on the 3rd floor up on the hill. read more

Prior to my first visit with Dr. Birch I was unable to hold my head erect for any length of time. I had had two cervical spinal fusion in the past five years and was still unable keep my head erect. On my first visit with Dr. Birch he told me he could fix my neck, and that I should be able to drive a vehicle again! I was thrilled to say the least. He performed a cervical spinal fusion on the back of my neck in September 2018. I am now able to hold my head erect and have driven both an automobile and pickup truck! On all my visits to his clinic he was professional and happy to take time to answer all of my questions. My appointments were on time! His staff is caring and always willing to help in any way they can. During my hospitalization following the surgery Dr. Birch saw me at least once a day. I was hospitalized for a week due to problems swallowing, which had occurred with the last cervical fusion (and caused a five week hospitalization). Dr. Birch gave me a complete explanation of the cause. Due to my medical condition it was necessary for me to transfer to an inpatient rehab facility nearer my home. Dr. Birch arranged for transportation for me in an ambulance (which was paid for by my Medicare insurance). I really appreciated his effort in arranging my care closer to home. The patient care at UCSF was the best I have had. They were not short staffed, which is so important to the patient and family. I would recommend Dr. Birch, the other UCSF staff, the hospital to one and all! Dr. Birch will look out for all your needs. read more

This review is overdue. Background: My mother who is in her 70s has experience back pain for over a decade. This eventually got worst when she fell 9 months ago. So bad she could not walk. We had tried many alternative healing methods from physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractor, smoking healing, anything you can think of, because surgery was the last option. Finally after months in agony, we decided to get a consultation from Dr Shane Burch. The appointment took 2 weeks to book, but understandably so, because everyone wants to see him. During the consultation, we filled out a form which listed the existing conditions my mother had. She has diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, etc. This is regular practice to fill out a form so the Dr understands your conditions before recommending treatment. When Dr Burch came to see us, he fully analyzed all the pre-conditions my mother had and recommended a decompression surgery. We asked about alternative, less invasive methods, but he said that surgery was absolutely necessary. He said physically therapy or epidural shots was not going to make any significant improvement. After the visit, we researched the "top doctors" in America for second and third opinion. As you can expect, this was a long drawn process of researching, and finding appointment times. The second "top doctor" without even looking at the existing conditions my mother had, recommended physical therapy and epidural shots. Which if he had read the reports my mother would not be a candidate for epidural because of her diabetes complications. The third doctor "top doctor" from Stanford said because of doctor rules, she was only able to give my mother 20 minutes of time. She did not read and analyze the conditions my mother had. We realized the best candidate for this life changing surgery was Dr Burch. Dr Burch and his assistant worked to fit him his tight schedule a time slot for the Laminectomy surgery for my mother. The surgery was successful and one month later my mother is walking again! Dr Burch is not only an outstanding doctor, but a doctor even as good as he is, will not compromise quality of time necessary to find out all the conditions the patients have before giving a recommendation. Something the other top doctors was too lazy to do. May Dr Burch live a long life so he can help as many people as he can. He is gods blessing. read more

Where do I start? My back has hurt for 20 years and another one of doctors is friends with Dr Burch and suggested I go see him because I was eaten opiates like candy because of the pain. I am 9 months post op and I walked 8-10 miles a day and the back pain is nothing more than me sometimes being stiff after sitting to long. Dr. Burch is not only a excellent surgeon - he is a wonderful person with a bedside manner that brings a smile to your face. I love the fact that he cares how I feel and that he is invested in making sure he does everything possible to improve my quality of life. I pray God blesses Dr Burch with a wonderful long and happy life. He is simply the best of the best....I wish I could give him 10 stars. read more

One of the most amazing doctors ever--Dr Burch expertly fixed my husbands ailing back. My husband had a spinal fusion in 2012 which never solved his pain and left an otherwise healthy, vibrant 45 year old contractor virtually disabled for almost 2 years. After we found Dr Burch, and told him our story--he quickly and expertly fixed my husband and has proved to be the super star surgeon we hoped for. Excellent skills, communication and mostly--he got my husband out of chronic pain. Our former surgeon from another local hospital was unable or unwilling to do what Dr Burch did perfectly. You would be lucky to have this exemplary surgeon in your corner. read more

Dr. Burch is a wonderful dr. He was my 3 rd surgeon and got me back to walking with no leg braces. I trusted him completely to do my surgery and had confidence that I would be in a better physical state. read more

I had my first spinal fusion surgery three and a half years ago. It was a failure. The doctor that performed the surgery said after surgery "I've done my job"; he and his practice had no more use for me or my worsened condition. For three and half years I lived with sometimes debilitating pain. If it weren't for the commitment, care and dedication of my primary physician, I would not have been introduced to Dr. Shane Burch and his team. Dr. Burch GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK. I am 6 weeks post surgery and am living and enjoying a world I haven't had in three and a half years. Dr. Burch, as described in other reviews, has a God given gift to cure. He is skilled, intelligent and is committed to his patients; he is personable and communicative. Dr. Burch's rating is far superior than the five stars available here. read more

I have witnessed a miracle in the successful June 2015 surgery that Dr Burch performed on my 95 year old mother, who fractured her C1 and C2 vertebrae after falling. Dr. Burch treated my mother with so much dignity during the initial appointment, and allayed the fears of my sister and me, who were terrified to think that our mother would have to endure anasthesia and going under the knife in such a delicate area of her body. Dr Burch's calm, confident demeanor, as well as his realistic assessment of the situation and possible outcomes assured my sister and I that we were making the right decision in choosing him to operate on our mom. The surgery went perfectly, and her pre- and post-op care at UCSF was great. Three months later, my mother has absolutely no pain, and her neck mobility is even better than Dr. Burch had hoped for. He restored her quality of life, which, to me, was a huge ??? after her accident at her age. I will be forever grateful to the orthopedist in SJ who told us that he wouldn't trust anyone other than Dr. Burch to attempt the surgery, and, of course, to Dr. Burch for saving my mother's life. read more

I don't even know where to begin. I got in a car accident 30 years ago. Broke my back and lots of other things. Since then I've always had what my family and friends affectionately call my "gangsta lean.' In this past March, I started to notice I was having foot drop in my good leg. I started the doctor process. Needless to say, I am not a fan of our healthcare/insurance process. I kept getting the run-around and felt like I was a can being kicked down the road to be somebody else's problem. I finally had to be the squeaky wheel. I have had multiple CT scans, MRIs of all three portions of my back, and no one could give me an answer. When I got an answer, they were all different and no resolution to the problem. I finally got referred to Dr. Burch. He looked at all of my scans and actually had an answer. I immediately burst into tears; not out of being scared, but pure relief that someone was listening to what I had been saying all along. His support staff is unbelievable. Sweet little Katie is a doll, and she truly cares about your quality of life and follow-up to make sure everything is moving along properly. Dr. Burch has incredible bedside manner. He truly projects genuine caring about his craft and his patients. So today I had my laminectomy on my L4-5-S1. My tingling in my leg is gone. Hopefully with PT I will be able to get my "gansta lean" back. I couldn't recommend him enough. I agree with another poster: He deserves a 10 star. Unbelievable surgeon, and a very kind man. Right from the get-go, I felt in my gut I was in good hands. read more

This is my very first Yelp. Dr Burch is an extraordinary physician. The Bay Area is blessed to have a spine specialist with so much talent, heart, education and dedication. He has gone above and beyond his duty to help me feel better. The UCSF spine center/Dr Burch see patients with extreme conditions, if there is a wait time, know that it could be you that he's helping in an emergency. Best doc eva!!! read more

Dr. Burch is a lifesaver, period. I had two episodes of severe back pain that rendered me bedridden after 3 day stints in the hospital on morphine. The pain down my leg was severe and I was only able to sleep a few hours at a time - it was a really hard few months especially with two kids and a wife who showed pretty much zero sympathy. (I know, hard to believe). Dr. Burch performed a micro surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc and shave off some bone to allow more room for the nerve root to heal. He also scheduled me on Christmas Eve to help me out since I was in so much pain and his schedule was so full otherwise. The man is compassionate, skilled and has leaves you with a sense of confidence that you will get better. read more

I heard very good things about Dr. Burch. I had a painful herniated disk and needed to see a doctor. I thought he was very distracted and and didn't focus or listen to my needs. He ended up just giving me some pain medication and my problem never went away. \Although he works for UCSF and it's a very credible hospital, I would not recommend this doctor. Ever. read more

Back pain while walking/ Right leg weakness, numbness and its size is getting smaller/ Uneven walking and cramping. I can't say how much I appreciate to Dr. Shane Burch. He fixed my right leg and back (Spine) issues completely on September 4th, 2014., L4/5 Decompression procedure reference to Laminotomy. I recommend to you who is current having the back issues, please see Dr. Shane Burch'. He is the one of the best Surgeon Doctor you can find. Millions Thanks to Dr. Shane Burch. read more

Shane Burch gave me back my life! I had been suffering with a bulging L5S1 disk in my back since I was 19 but it always seemed to go way. Then at 25 I really injured it by snowboarding and running. The siactic pain went from bearable to extreme. Basically to the point where I was just wishing I could just die. Over the course of a year my HMO sent me to many different doctors and I tried everything to deal with the pain! There are many skeptics, but really alternative methods are a band aid and only helped for a bit. My brother went through the same experience when he was 18 and finally had surgery at 19. He was back playing college basketball months after his surgery. Anyways...finally the insurance company sent me to Dr. Burch. At this point I could barely walk or stand up straight. I was taking a handful of pain pills a day just to be able to work. I hated my life. Shane said he could help and we scheduled the surgery. I had surgery in late Feb of 2012. Because the nerve was so severely damaged it took a while to heal. That is why it is better to get surgery asap, but with insurance they drag it out. They day after surgery I was able to stand up straight for the first time in months. A week after surgery I was walking around my block crying my eyes out. The sciatic pain was still there because tissues in that area are so swollen there's no room for it to move. I was a little scared that it was never going to go away. Thankfully I had my brother there to let me know it was normal and comfort me. There's so much I could say about the healing process, but the point of writing this is to say only 2 months after surgery I was 90% out of pain and not long after that I was 100% pain free!!! I am so grateful I had Shane Burch perform this surgery on me. I went from wanting to die to being the happiest I've ever been in my life. Eternally grateful! read more

I had back surgery last June and am so very glad that I decided to do it and to have Dr. Burch be my surgeon. I was suffering from sciatica and nothing helped, not even having spinal injections three times. Dr. Burch is a skilled surgeon, and in addition to that, he listens to his patients and addresses all concerns and questions. Although I had a surgery that lasted over 2 hours--there was more to address than he thought--I went home the same day and was shocked at how little pain I experienced as a result of having surgery. Six months later my life is dramatically better: I am very active, going to the gym 4 to 5 times a week, hiking in the Berkeley hills, riding my bike and more. The surgery that Dr. Burch performed has revitalized me, last year at this time, I couldn't even cook a meal because standing for even a few minutes was impossible. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Burch for taking such excellent care of me. read more