Christopher Ames

Christopher Ames is a Clinical Professor in the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He serves as Director of Spinal Deformity & Spine Tumor Surgery, Co-Director of the UCSF Spine Center, Director of the California Deformity Institute, and Director of the Spinal Biomechanics Laboratory. With over 200 annual spinal deformity cases, he specializes in complex procedures for scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal tumors, pioneering innovative techniques including the transpedicular approach and AI decision support tools.

• Developed first cervical spine deformity classification
• Created Adult Deformity Frailty Index and Invasiveness Index
• Recipient of multiple Scoliosis Research Society awards

His research, funded through studies like the ROSE Study and Telomere Study, focuses on spinal biomechanics, surgical outcomes, and AI integration in spine surgery. He has published over 600 peer-reviewed articles and serves as Spine Section Lead Editor for Operative Neurosurgery.

Scientific Awards:

• Hibbs Award (3×)
• Goldstein Award
• Whitecloud Award
• Top Doctors (Neurosurgery & Cancer)
• US News Top 1% Neurosurgeons