MEET

DR CHELSEA HENDOW

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

SPECIALTIES

  • Orthopedic Surgery

LOCATIONS

  • Capitola

  • Los Gatos

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

I’m here to listen to my patients, help them understand their problem, and come up with a comprehensive plan to get them back to doing what they love.”

WHERE

Can I See Dr Hendow?

SERVICES

With Dr Hendow

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About Dr Hendow

Dr Hendow is an orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in spine surgery. She manages traumatic and degenerative diseases of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine including stenosis, disc herniations, radiculopathy, myelopathy, deformity, trauma, tumors, and infection. Her practice includes customized operative and nonoperative interventions to help patients achieve their goals, including minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery. Her focus is on patient values and shared decision making, with consideration for the whole patient.

Dr Hendow grew up locally, and recently returned to the bay area with her husband and son to be close to family and serve her community. She enjoys hiking with her family and dogs, and traveling.

Dr Hendow received her undergraduate degree in physiology from UCLA, followed by a masters degree in biophysics from Georgetown University. She attended medical school at New York Medical College where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, then completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Pennsylvania. Before joining Golden State Orthopedics & Spine, she completed a fellowship in spine surgery at the Rothman Institute/Thomas Jefferson University, regarded as one of the top spine fellowships in the country.

EDUCATION

BS University of California, Los Angeles (Physiological Sciences, Minor in Anthropology)
MS Georgetown University School of Medicine (Physiology and Biophysics)
MD New York Medical College

INTERNSHIP

Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

RESIDENCY

Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

FELLOWSHIP

Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA

New York Medical College Academic Merit Scholarship

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Junior Inductee

Orthopaedic Resident Achievement Award for Exceptional Service

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Pennsylvania Women in Surgery

North American Spine Society

1. Kanhere AP, Lambrechts MJ, Issa TZ, Karamian BA, Hendow CJ, Reddy YC, Slota PJ, Hilibrand AS, Kepler CK, Vaccaro AR, Schroeder GD. The effect of tranexamic acid on operative and postoperative blood loss in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions. World Neurosurgery. 2022 July 15;S1878-8750(22)00957-3.

2. Schmidt EC, Dear KA, Hendow CJ, Miller L, Mehta S, Hast MW. Examining the novel use of continuous compression implants in clavicle reconstruction: A biomechanical study. Clinical Biomechanics. 2021 July 21;88:105437.

3. Beschloss A, Ishmael T, Dicindio C, Hendow CJ, Ha A, Louie P, Lombardi J, Pugely A, Ozturk A, Arlet V, Saifi C. The expanding frontier of outpatient spine surgery. International Journal of Spine Surgery. 2021 April;15(2):266-273.

4. Hendow CJ, Cahill PJ. Posterolateral decompression and interbody fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis. In: Sankar W, Flynn JM, pediatric section editors. Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery, 3rd ed. Lipincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021.

5. Hendow CJ, Smith HE, Canseco JA, Patel PD, Vaccaro AR. Acute fractures in sport: thoraco-lumbar spine. In: Robertson G, Maffulli N, editors. Fractures in sport. Springer Nature, 2021.

6. Hendow CJ, Cazzulino A, Beschloss A, Lombardi J, Louie P, Pugely A, Ozturk A, Ludwig S, Saifi C. Marked increase in primary atlantoaxial spinal fusion surgeries in the United States. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. ePub 2020 Jan.

7. Schmidt EC, Dear K, Hendow CJ, Miller L, Mehta S, Hast MW. Nitinol staple fixation of clavicle fractures results in a more flexible construct than plating [poster]. Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) 2020 Annual Meeting; 2020 Feb 8-11; Phoenix, Arizona.

8. Hendow CJ, Beschloss A, Louis PK, Lombardi JM, Shillingford J, Khan SR, Laratta J, Arlet V, Saifi C. Economic trends in spinal deformity surgery in the United States between 2012 and 2015 [presentation]. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2020 Annual Meeting; 2020 Mar 24; Orlando, Florida.

9. Hendow CJ, Sloan M, Sheth NP. Post-traumatic arthritis increases total knee arthroplasty complication rates [abstract]. University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal 2019 Jun;30.

10. Behar B, Hendow CJ, Piper M, Levin LS. Cervical spine fusion after osteomyelitis using vascularized free fibula autograft. University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal 2019 Jun;30.

11. Swarup I, Shields M, Mayer EN, Hendow CJ, Burket JC, Figgie MP. Outcomes after total hip arthroplasty in young patients with osteonecrosis of the hip. Hip International. 2017 May 12;27(3):286-292.

REVIEWS ABOUT DR HENDOW

Brij Shingari
Dec 14, 2024
Google

Dr. Hendow is knowledgeable, heard patiently and explained the intended procedure in details with expected details.

Jadin S.
Dec 13, 2024
Yelp

Dr Hendow is absolutely wonderful! She really made me feel heard and understood in my back pain. I was referred to her by a friend after a really awful experience with another physician. Dr Hendow took her time with listening to my concerns and the examination. She ordered an MRI and when results were in, yikes. My pain finally made sense. We did a round of physical therapy, an injection, and now we are scheduled for a fusion. My favorite things about Dr hendow are that she doesn't have the typical "doctor" energy. She wants you to feel comfortable and every appointment I've felt like I was just chatting with a friend. She was extremely accommodating of me needed to bring my son to a couple appointments and even interacted with him and showed him various spine models. We love Dr hendow!!

david hare
Nov 19, 2024
Google

Fantastic experience with Dr. Hendow. She diagnosed me properly and quickly and outlined the multiple ways to address the problem. She kept me informed at all times and shows genuine concern for my recovery. HIGHLY recommend her for all of your Orthopedic needs.

Robert Crum
Oct 22, 2024
Google

Dr Chelsea Hendow has been an exceptional person in her skills, knowledge, and her personal attentiveness to me as an individual. I have been dealing with back problems for most of my life due to two accidents and have already had four surgeries and getting ready for my fifth and hopefully final. Dr. Hendow has been so in tune to my needs and I believe truly cares about me as a person and my overall health. I would recommend her to anybody who needs the care and support for themselves or their family.

gregg dexter
Oct 22, 2024
Google

Hello I'm Gregg Dexter. My back surgeon was Dr. Chelsea Hendow. She was referred to me by Dr. Nicholas Abidi of Golden State Orthopedics and Spine in Capatola,CA. Dr. Hendow specializes in spinal fusion surgery. Prior to to my three (3) disk spinal fusion surgery, which was done on July 9, 2024, I was experiencing progressively worsening pain in both of my legs and lower spine. I found that I couldn't walk any distance without having so much pain I had to sit down to relieve it every 70 feet or so by sitting down for several minutes. I had an MRI taken, and it was found I had a progressing scoliosis impinging on my lumbar vertebrae which was the cause of my pain. Now, after only three (3) months I can again walk, without assistance from my wife, a walker or a cane. I can now walk with comfort, on the unfinished paths of the Del Monte forest, on of the beaches I live near and on any sidewalks. Dr. Hendow's demeanor is warm and open; she is a good listener. Prior to surgery, she went the extra mile to rule out other causes leading to my spinal condition. At all times I was informed of the surgical process and length of time to heal. She reviewed all tests and answered all questions

Francis Consul
Oct 15, 2024
Google

After 4 plus years since my work injury I finally had a real doctor knows how I didn't know a lot of incompetent Dr. In work mans comp or pretending because of insurance company either chock them or just plain incompetent finally I had Dr. Chelsea hendow speak to me what is my injury and what is needed to be done I'm so relieved I hope more Dr. Like her not a Dr. That work mans insurance company that can make the Dr. Chock or a puppet of insurance company please Dr. Chelsea hendow continue you professional duties you can help a lot of patience like me giving hope a recovery 🙏 thank you

Mark Howland
Oct 04, 2024
Google

I have been seeing Dr Hendow for almost 2 years now for serious back issues. Dr Hendow is my favorite kind of doctor; she listens intently before asking a lot of questions; she is thorough and detail oriented; and my favorite...listens to my concerns/thoughts/suggestions about my situation, while carefully guiding me to solutions that are collaborative and leading edge. I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr Hendow for any back/spine issues you may have.

Frank Pieper
Sep 19, 2024
Google

Unlike most md’s these days access to Dr Handow is great and she has gotten me on a path to being back pain free!

Dale Wolschlager
Aug 27, 2024
Google

Dr Chelsea Hendow was extremely efficient and thorough in analyzing my neck and lower back issues. She didn't hesitate to refer me for MRI's to further analyze these problems. Chelsea also referred me to a local Rheumatologist for evaluation. I appreciate her sincere concerns and timely response to my needs!

Dave Mellish
Jul 25, 2024
Google

Highly recommend Dr Hendow. Very professional, experienced, knowledgeable and friendly.

David Abrahamson
Jun 28, 2024
Google

Excellent service staff. Caring doctors.

Alejandro Reyna
Jun 10, 2024
Google

(Translated by Google) Doctor was very professional and explains everything in clear details of the injuries one has and explains the treatment options that can follow. (Original) Doctora fue muy profesional y explica todo en detalles claros de las lesiones que uno trae y explica las opciones de tratamiento que pueden seguir.

Gil Rocha
Jun 08, 2024
Google

Dr. Chelsea answered all the questions I had plus she made me feel very comfortable. I am very pleased to have gone to her she had other concerns and right away she sent for other tests. I definitely recommend her.

Tiberius F
May 28, 2024
Google

Very professional. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Howard R.
May 28, 2024
Yelp

I had to wait a while to see Dr. Hendow because she had a leave. But I am so happy I waited. With some spine pain she ordered an MRI. When the results were available she took plenty of time to show me the MRI pictures and explained the results of the MRI. She answered all my questions. Dr. Hendow is very knowledgeable, and caring. She suggested we start conservative with physical therapy which has a good chance of making me better. She will take very good care of you. I would give her six stars if they were available. Howard R , San Jose

Nola Falcocchia
May 12, 2024
Google

Wonderful people. This place is just the best. Chelsea Hendow.is an excellent physician and person. You would be in the best of hands for sure.

Melinda R.
Jan 27, 2024
Yelp

Dr Hendow was very thorough and explained my spinal problems in a way I could easily understand. I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing help with their spinal care.

Ces Po
Jan 11, 2024
Google

(Translated by Google) Dr.Hendow does everything possible to help you continue with your daily life in the best way, thank you very much for everything Dr. Hendow, (Original) Dr.Hendow hace todo lo posible para poder ayudarte a seguir con tu vida cotidiana de la mejor manera, muchas gracias por todo Dr. Hendow ,

Janice Seals
Jan 11, 2024
Google

Dr Hendow took extra time with me to insure all my many health concerns were dealt with. I was actually amazed that she asked about problems other than what I was seeing her about and sent me to those doctors as well. I can certainly give her five stars.

Chris Walter
Jan 09, 2024
Google

Dr. Hendow communicates very well and takes time to investigate and provide explanations regarding medical conditions and treatment options. I was genuinely impressed with her thorough and caring approach. She also has a very friendly and competent assistant.

Tariq C
Jan 06, 2024
Google

Dr Hendow was terrific, it was the first time I felt like I actually understood the issues I was experiencing, the reasons why I was having them and received the best advice on how to deal with it. Very appreciative

Dot Beattie
Jan 05, 2024
Google

If your looking for a great orthopedic physician Dr Chelsea Hendow is the one, She will listen to you and do whatever she can to make you better. She will listen to you and not rush your appt and make sure your satisfied when you leave her office.

Vishwanath Miller
Jan 04, 2024
Google

Dr Hendow is very attentive, and offers suggestions and alternatives to treatments without being heavy handed. She treats her patients in a relatable and personal way..

dobrofreak
Jul 11, 2023
Google

So far so good. Chelsea was very personable and listened to my concerns. She was very helpful in ordering additional diagnostic tests and prescribing medication that would help relieve my discomfort. Definitely recommend.

5 (24 ratings)

PATIENT EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy

Spinal Stenosis Surgical

Radiculopathy

Disc Herniation

Assisting the Doctor:

Doctor making heart shape

Clinical Team

Golden State Ortho Doctors are assisted by our clinical support teams which include Medical Assistants, X-Ray Technicians and more.

Reviews Mean So Much!

Reviews mean so much to both the specialist providing care as well as to prospective patients. To write a review or read reviews written by other patients, visit the doctor’s review page.

Dr. Hendow communicates very well and takes time to investigate and provide explanations regarding medical conditions and treatment options. I was genuinely impressed with her thorough and caring approach. She also has a very friendly and competent assistant.

- Chris W

Dr Hendow took extra time with me to insure all my many health concerns were dealt with. I was actually amazed that she asked about problems other than what I was seeing her about and sent me to those doctors as well. I can certainly give her five stars.

- Janice S

Dr Hendow was terrific, it was the first time I felt like I actually understood the issues I was experiencing, the reasons why I was having them and received the best advice on how to deal with it. Very appreciative

- Tariq C