Dr. Kenneth Yonemura, MD, FAANS

Expert Publications

• Broviac ventriculostomy for long-term external ventricular drainage.
• Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine: a case report.

Media Releases

Transforming Patient Outcomes in Salt Lake City with Innovative Approaches in Spine Care 

Salt Lake City, Utah – Dr. Kenneth Yonemura, MD, FAANS, an esteemed neurosurgeon with extensive experience in complex spine and peripheral nerve disorders, practices at the Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery. With a dedication to cutting-edge research and a focus on minimally invasive techniques, he is making a profound impact on patient care in the Salt Lake City area.

Dr. Yonemura, who was born and raised in Southern California, began his medical journey at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychobiology. He continued his education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed a rigorous residency in neurosurgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC) in 1990. His commitment to excellence led him to a spinal surgery fellowship at the acclaimed Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Yonemura has concentrated on treating complex spine and peripheral nerve disorders, becoming certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in May 1995. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and an active member of several professional organizations, including the North American Spine Society, the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery, the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the Association for Medical Ethics.

Dr. Yonemura’s passion for innovation has propelled him to the forefront of neurosurgical research. He has served as an FDA investigator for several spinal devices, including lumbar and cervical interbody fusion cages and motion preservation techniques like artificial disc and facet replacement technology. His pioneering contributions to minimally invasive surgery have transformed the treatment landscape for cervical and lumbar disc diseases, including the development of one of the first generation percutaneous pedicle screw systems.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Yonemura has made significant contributions to academia through teaching and research at prestigious institutions like the SUNY-Health Science Center in Syracuse, New York. In 2005, he relocated to Salt Lake City to be closer to family, contributing to the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Utah until he returned to private practice in 2011.

At the Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Dr. Yonemura is dedicated to providing specialized care for patients with spine and peripheral nerve disorders. He also serves as an affiliate doctor at Heiden Orthopedics and is affiliated with Lakeview Hospital, a 128-bed community hospital located in Bountiful, serving Davis County.

Notably, Dr. Yonemura was the first spine surgeon in Utah to implant the TOPS arthroplasty device for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis following its FDA approval in 2023. Additionally, he has been selected to join the data safety monitoring board for the PerQdisc artificial disc, which is set to begin patient enrollment in 2025.

Outside of his medical career, Dr. Yonemura is an avid cyclist and USA Cycling Cat 3 masters racer. His role as the medical director for the Tour of Utah stage race reflects his commitment to merging his passion for sports with his expertise in neurosurgery, promoting health and wellness in the community.

Dr. Kenneth Yonemura’s dedication to excellence, patient care, and innovation makes him an invaluable asset to the Salt Lake City medical community. Patients seeking specialized treatment for spine and peripheral nerve disorders can now access his expertise at the Salt Lake Center for Spine & Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Heiden Orthopedics, and Lakeview Hospital.

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