Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS
Neurosurgeon
96 Kimballs Lane Suite 304 Draper Utah, 84020About
Dr. Kenneth Yonemura, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in spine and peripheral nerve disorders. He practices at Wasatch Neurological Surgery in Bountiful, Utah, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS). With extensive experience in treating complex spine issues, Dr. Yonemura has made significant contributions to the field, including developing innovative minimally invasive techniques for spinal surgeries. His work as an FDA investigator has advanced treatments like artificial disc replacement and facet technology. Beyond his clinical practice, he has remained active in research and has a strong academic background, having taught at notable institutions. Dr. Yonemura is affiliated with Lakeview Hospital and other centers across Utah. Outside of medicine, he is an avid cyclist and has been involved in the cycling community as both a racer and medical director for events like the Tour of Utah. Dr. Yonemura is committed to providing cutting-edge care to his patients.
Education and Training
Barrow Neurological Institute Spine Fellowship 1991
Univ of Southern California BS - Psychobiology 1980
Jefferson Medical College MD 1984
UC Irvine Medical Center Neurosurgery Residency 1990
Board Certification
American Board of Neurological Surgery - Certified in Neurological Surgery
Provider Details
Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS's Expert Contributions
Can neuropathy in the legs go away?
Sometimes, numbness from spinal stenosis is wrongly called neuropathy and will improve with surgical treatment of the spinal stenosis. Numbness from neuropathy is typically in a stocking distribution and unfortunately, there are no specific treatments for a peripheral neuropathy. Ken S. Yonemura, MD Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery (435) 200-1196 Fax: (800) 886-1421 READ MORE
How long does it take to fix nerve damage?
I assume you are having problems from a disc herniation that severely compressed one of the nerves as it passes over the disc or at the exit from the spine. Potential nerve damage is a concern when there is measurable weakness prior to surgery. Severe pain or numbness does not necessarily mean that damage has occurred unless it is present for more than 6 months.If your nerve needs to regenerate, the process is slow and occurs a millimeter a day or an inch a month. In the leg, it may take 12 months to reach maximum improvement. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Assistant Professor UC Irvine Medical Center, CA 1991 - 1993
- Assistant Professor SUNY Upstate, Syracuse, NY 1999 - 2005
- Private Practice Northwest Hospital, Seattle, WA 1993 - 1999
- Assistant Professor University of Utah 2005 - 2011
Awards
- Patients Recommend Award Year health.usnews.com
- Top Doctor 2018 HealthTap
Professional Memberships
- North American Spine Society
- Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Fellowships
- Barrow Neurological Institute at St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center Neurosurgical Spine Surgery 1991
Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS's Practice location
Salt Lake City, UT 84107Get Direction
Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS's reviews
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Media Releases
Bringing Decades of Expertise to Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Dr. Kenneth Yonemura, MD, FAANS, a distinguished neurosurgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS), sees patients at the Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to cutting-edge research, he is poised to make a significant impact in the field of neurosurgery in the Salt Lake City area.
Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Yonemura embarked on his journey in medicine by obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychobiology at the University of Southern California. He then pursued his medical education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, followed by a rigorous neurosurgical residency training at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC), which he completed in 1990.
Dr. Yonemura further honed his skills by undertaking a spinal surgery fellowship at the prestigious Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, underlining his dedication to excellence in the field. Over the years, he has focused his practice on complex spine and peripheral nerve disorders, earning certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery in May of 1995.
With a passion for innovation, Dr. Yonemura has been at the forefront of research, serving as an FDA investigator for both lumbar and cervical interbody fusion cages as well as motion preservation techniques that include artificial disc and facet replacement technology. His involvement in the development of minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized the treatment of cervical and lumbar disc diseases, including the design of one of the first generation percutaneous pedicle screw systems, showcasing his commitment to advancing patient care.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Yonemura has maintained a strong presence in academia, teaching and conducting research at esteemed institutions such as SUNY-Health Science Center in Syracuse, New York. A desire to be closer to family on the west coast prompted his relocation to Salt Lake City in 2005, where he worked in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Utah until 2011 when he returned to private practice.
Currently, Dr. Yonemura’s primary base of operations is at Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery. In addition, he serves as an affiliate doctor at the Heiden Orthopedics office in Salt Lake City, and is affiliated with Lakeview Hospital, a 128-bed community hospital located in Bountiful serving Davis County, Utah.
Outside of his medical pursuits, Dr. Yonemura is an avid cyclist and has been actively involved in the cycling community as a USA Cycling Cat 3 masters racer. His experience as the medical director for the Tour of Utah stage race highlights his multidimensional approach to healthcare, combining his passion for sports with his expertise in neurosurgery.
Dr. Kenneth Yonemura's commitment to excellence, coupled with his dedication to patient care and innovation, positions him as a valuable asset to the Salt Lake City medical community. Patients seeking specialized care for spine and peripheral nerve disorders can now benefit from his expertise at the Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Heiden Orthopedics, and Lakeview Hospital.
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