Dr. Ken 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

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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