![Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS, Neurosurgeon](/doctor_images/e/e3/2883398.jpg?v=b604)
Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS
Neurosurgeon
6095 S Fashion Blvd Suite 220 Salt Lake City UT, 84107About
Dr. Ken Yonemura practices Neurological Surgery in Draper, Utah. As a Neurological Surgeon, Dr. Yonemura prevents, diagnoses, evaluates, and treats disorders of the autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous systems. Neurological Surgeons are trained to treat such disorders as spinal canal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, fractures, and spinal deformities, among many others.
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
Provider Details
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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
Professional Memberships
- North American Spine Society
- Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Fellowships
- Barrow Neurological Institute spinal surgery
Dr. Ken Yonemura, MD, FAANS's Practice location
SMART Clinic
96 Kimballs Lane Suite 304 -Draper, Utah 84020Get Direction
Primary Healthcare
6095 S Fashion Blvd Suite 220 -Salt Lake City, UT 84107Get Direction
Cope Family Medicine Clinic
185 S 400 E Suite 100 -Bountiful, Utah 84010Get 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.
Recommended Articles
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Peter Hanks Maughan MD5171 COTTONWOOD ST MURRAY UT 84107
- Dr. John R Macfarlane M.D.5171 COTTONWOOD ST MURRAY UT 84107
- Dr. Charles C Rich M.D.5171 COTTONWOOD ST MURRAY UT 84107
- Dr. Mark V Reichman M.D.5171 COTTONWOOD ST MURRAY UT 84107
- Dr. Richard H Tippets M.D.5171 COTTONWOOD ST MURRAY UT 84107
- Dr. Paul Andrew House MD5171 S COTTONWOOD ST STE 950 MURRAY UT 84107
Nearest Hospitals
ALTA VIEW HOSPITALl
9660 SOUTH 1300 EAST SANDY UT 84094RIVERTON HOSPITALl
3741 WEST 12600 SOUTH RIVERTON UT 84065INTERMOUNTAIN MEDICAL CENTERl
5121 SOUTH COTTONWOOD STREET MURRAY UT 84107THE ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY HOSPITALl
5848 SOUTH 300 EAST MURRAY UT 84107