• Frank K. Kuwamura, III, M.D.

Frank Kuwamura MD

Biography

A leader and instructor in emerging technology and spine surgery, Dr. Kuwamura treats multiple conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas of the spine, including: fractures, spinal stenosis, arthritis, tumors, spinal deformities, sciatica, spinal infections, and much more. Dr. Kuwamura is fellowship trained in spine treatments from the Florida Neck and Back Institute and has been in practice for over 19 years and maintains his board certification through ongoing education and training.


Beginning his career as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kuwamura is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine and received a Master’s Degree in Microbiology. During his distinguished career, he also served at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Kuwamura is a pioneer and product designer for leading medical technology and is on-site at Innovative Spine to provide one-on-one consultations and patient-centered care.

  • Education

    Undergraduate: Catholic University of America (BA) (1983)


    Graduate: Boston University Division of Medical Science. 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA 02118. Microbiology, Immunology (MA) (Sept. 1983 – May 1985)


    Medical: Boston University School of Medicine (MD) (Sept. 1985 – May 1989). 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA 02118


    Post Graduate: Internship/General Surgery (Jul. 1st 1989 – Jun. 30th 1990). National Naval Medical Center. Bethesda, MD 20889-5600


    Active Duty: 3rd Marine Division -7/1190 – -7/1191


    Residency: Orthopedic Surgery (Jul. 7th 1991 – Jul. 7th 1995). National Naval Medical Center. Bethesda, MD 20889-5600


    Fellowship: Adult and Pediatric Spine (Feb. 1st 1998 – Feb. 1st 1999). Florida Neck and Back Institute. 6400 West Newberry Rd. #206. Gainesville, FL 32605.


    Licensure: Texas

  • Military Experience

    Rank: Commander

    Duty Stations: National Naval Medical Center – 1989-1990


    -Medical Officer and Department Head


    -Medical Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD – 1991-1995


    -Naval Hospital, 10651 E. St., Corpus Christi, TX 78419


    -Department Head – Aug. 1995 – Dec.1997

  • Board Certification

    American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

    Bexar County Medical Society

  • Professional Societies

    -Open Technique for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Procedures followed by a minimally invasive Approach to Posterior Lateral Fusion. EBI Regional Spine Hands-On Workshop. Phoenix. Feb. 10th 2006

    -Techniques for Spine Surgery Utilizing EBI & Interpore Cross International Spine Products. San Antonio, TX. Jan. 28th 2005


    -Diagnosis of Back and Neck Pain; Baptist Health System. Office of Management of Common Orthopedic Problems. San Antonio, TX. Jul. 24th 2004


    -When the Spine Needs Surgery; Baptist Health System. 10th Office Management of Common Orthopedic Problems. San Antonio, TX. Feb. 1st 2001


    -Management of Back Pain; Baptist Health Systems.9th Office Management of Common Orthopedic Problems. San Antonio, TX. Feb. 5th 2000


    -Stand Alone Anterior Lumbar Cages. Our Five-Year Results. Florida Orthopedic Society Meeting. Miami, FL. May 1998. May 1998


    -Suprafascial Pedicle Screw Stabilization of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusions. Florida Orthopedic Society Meeting. Miami, FL. May 1998


    -Lumbar spine Degenerative Disc Disease, The source of Lumbar Pain; Radiological Investigations. Research Institute International Symposium. Scottsdale, AZ. Nov. 1998


    -Surgical Approaches, Conventional Discectomy vs. Percutaneous Techniques. Research Institute International Symposium. Scottsdale, AZ. Nov. 1998


    -Autologous Growth Factors: Alternatives in Spinal Fusion, New Concepts and Options in Bone Grafting. Keystone, CO. Dec. 1998


    -The Structure and Functional of the Coracoaromial Ligament. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Orlando, FL. Apr. 1995 


    -Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Results Utilizing a Compound Approach Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons. Washington, DC. Apr. 1993


    -Spine Manifestations in Neurofibromatosis. Grand Rounds Nemours Children’s Clinic. Jacksonville, FL. Apr. 1993


    -Medial Complex Injuries in the Young Throwing Athlete. Grand Rounds Nemours Children’s Clinic. Jacksonville, FL


    -Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries. Grand Rounds Nemours Children’s Clinic. Jacksonville, FL. May 1993

  • Publications

    -Association of Fabry’s Disease with Avascular. Necrosis Orthopedics. 1990

    -The Role of Iron in Infection. 1985

  • Research

    -Blackstone Cervical Disk Replacement. CO – Investigator. Jan. 2009

    Emulex – Annular Repair Study. Principle Investigator. Jan. 2008


    Coflex Study. CO – Investigator. Jan. 2007


    Regain – Nucleus Replacement. Principle Investigator. Apr. 2006


    Anterior Column Support of the Spine: Cage Technology & Bone Graft Alternatives. Florida Neck & Back Institute, P.A. Research Institute International, P.A. 1998


    Suprafascial Pedicle Screw Stabilization of Anterior Lumbar intradiscal Fusions: Atraumatic Operative Technique. 1998


    Florida Neck & Back Institute, P.A. Research Institute International, P.A. 1998


    Transabdominal Laparoscopic Spine Surgery and Stand-Alone Anterior Cage. Florida Neck & Back Institute, P.A. Research Institute International, P.A. 1998


    Autologous Growth Factors: Alternatives in Spinal Fusion, New Concepts and Options in Bone. 1998


    GraftC-Reactive Protein Levels as a Marker of Postoperative Infections in Children Nemours Children’s Clinic. Jacksonville, FL. 1993