Dr. Alex Upfill-Brown

Dr. Alex Upfill-Brown is a spine surgeon at VSI with a decade of experience treating the full spectrum of spine conditions, supported by a unique foundation in spine care. While his expertise spans advanced, minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical techniques for patients of all needs, he has a distinct niche in caring for patients with complex spinal deformities, such as adolescent scoliosis, adult scoliosis, and kyphosis.

Dr. Upfill-Brown’s Surgical Experience

Dr. Upfill-Brown completed his spine surgery fellowship at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, regarded as one of the premier orthopedic institutions in the world, following an orthopedic surgery residency at UCLA, where he was elected to serve as Executive Co-Chief Resident during his tenure.

His surgical expertise is grounded in a rare depth of technical training. As a postdoctoral fellow in UCLA’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, he designed and tested novel motion-preserving joint replacement devices – a background that has made him an advocate for artificial disc replacement. He further expanded his surgical expertise through an advanced fellowship in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery techniques in Korea, along with international training in scoliosis and kyphosis. Combined with his broader surgical background, Dr. Upfill-Brown’s specialized training gives him the range to treat even the most complex spinal conditions and personalize the approach for each patient.

A Unique Approach to Patient Care

Dr. Upfill-Brown treats each patient like a close family member, taking the time necessary to listen fully and understand their history before recommending a path forward. He works hand-in-hand with his patients to create ultra-customized treatment plans to achieve their recovery goals. The solutions include non-surgical therapies, injections, natural healing options, and when necessary, minimally invasive surgical procedures.

With roots in South Africa, Dr. Upfill-Brown has worked in global health in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Those firsthand experiences shaped the perspective in which he approaches healthcare. His education and training further drew him toward spine surgery, where he found purpose in solving complex conditions and providing care that changes lives.

What to Expect Under Dr. Upfill-Brown’s Care

Under Dr. Upfill-Brown’s care at VSI, patients benefit from seamless collaboration with an in-house interdisciplinary team comprised of physiatrists, a neurologist, spine-specialized physical therapists, massage therapists, and pain specialists, all prioritizing motion preservation and rapid recovery. Dr. Upfill-Brown is also a national researcher with 68 peer-reviewed publications spanning topics such as minimally invasive techniques, artificial disc replacement, and spinal deformity, to pioneer ways to make surgeries safer and more effective for patients.