Marin’s FIRST Endoscopic Spine Surgeon

Yoshihiro Katsuura MD

Most spine surgeons see every patient as a surgical candidate. Dr. Katsuura is not most spine surgeons. Equal parts scientist and artist, he approaches every case with one priority: the human being in front of him — their goals — before the orthopedic problem on the MRI. Seeing his patients as extensions of his family, he is determined to deploy the most modern, conservative, and precisely targeted solutions available — using surgery only when it is genuinely the best answer.

 

Dr. Katsuura treats the full spectrum of spinal treatments, from non-operative and pain management to the most advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic surgical techniques. He is an expert of the musculoskeletal system, and comfortably treats all spinal diseases. That range of expertise was forged in some of medicine's most demanding environments — serving on the spine surgery faculty at both Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College, caring for patients across the New York metropolitan area, and bringing that same standard of care to rural Mendocino County in California where he served as the Director of Spine Surgery. Now he treats patients throughout Northern California from the only independent orthopedic practice in Marin County.  Inspired by the frustrations of modern healthcare, he is proud of the team he has crafted to ensure patient care is the only priority.

His credentials reflect a career spent at the highest levels of the field. An Active Fellow of the Scoliosis Research Society — the premier international society for spinal deformity treatment and research — Dr. Katsuura brings a depth of academic rigor to every clinical decision. He has authored two books (Skeletal Metabolism and The Spine Encyclopedia), contributed numerous peer-reviewed publications, and remains actively engaged in research on how physicians and surgeons can measurably improve their skills over time. Dr. Katsuura was also the first surgeon to introduce fully endoscopic spine surgery to Marin County — bringing a technique refined in Asia and Europe directly to the 101 corridor.

Over the past decade, Dr. Katsuura has become the cornerstone of spine care across Northern California, serving patients from Mendocino to San Francisco with a reputation built on something rare in medicine: compassion and precision in equal measure. Don’t take our word for it—check the reviews, ask your neighbors and see it for yourself.

When you meet Dr. Katsuura, you will know you are no longer fighting spinal disease alone. You have found a champion — one who will walk with you, in the safest and most effective way possible, back to a pain-free and fully functional life.

Welcome to Katsuura MD—home of precision, thoroughness and compassion in spine care.

Pedigree

  • Undergraduate

    University of California at Berkeley, with dual degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Japanese Language and Literature

    Medical School

    Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin Ireland, with Honors

    Internship

    Orthopedics at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga

    Residency

    Orthopedics at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga

    Fellowship in Spine Surgery (ACGME)

    Hospital for Special Surgery

    Weil Cornell Medical College

    Fellowship in Arthroplasty (Non-ACGME)

    Dr. William Bowen, Frank Howard Memorial Hospital

  • Faculty in Spine Surgery

    Hosptial for Special Surgery

    Weil Cornell medical College

    Director of Spine Surgery

    Frank Howard Memorial Hospital

    Chief Executive

    KatsuuraMD, private spine practice

    Pioneer

    Marin County's First Endoscopic Spine Surgeon

  • The Spine Encyclopedia, Everything you Wanted to Know About Back and Neck Pain but were too Afraid to Ask

    A comprehensive foundation in spine care — written for patients who want real answers and physicians who want a trusted resource.

    Skeletal Metabolism: A Handbook for Osteoporosis Management and the Medicine of Orthopedics

    Bone loss is silent. Muscle loss is gradual. The consequences of both are not. A practical reference on osteoporosis and musculoskeletal health for patients and clinicians alike.

  • Schmidt J, Shidara K, Roos A, Katsuura Y, Mental Practice, Visualization, and Mental Imagery in Surgery: a Systematic Review, AM Surg, 2025 PMID 39810413.  

    Roos A, Schmidt J, Hu R, Nasr C, Katsuura Y, Preoperative Quizzes for Improved Patient Education and Communication in Elective Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Spine Surgery, Clin Spine Surg, 2025, Dec 2024 PMID 40489898  

    Colon L, Barber L, Soffin E, Albert T, Katsuura Y, Management and treatment algorithm of airway complications after anterior cervical spine surgery: systematic review, J Spine Surg Jul 2024, PMID 39399087  

    Saucedo S, Katsuura Y, Preventing Unnecessary Surgery in Patients Presenting for Orthopedic Spine Surgery: Literature Review and Case Series, J Ortho Case Reports 2023, PMID 37255643  

    Colon L, Barber L, Soffin E, Albert T, Katsuura Y, Airway Complications After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery, Global Spine J Feb 2023, PMID 36892830  

    Urakawa H, Santos M,  Vaishnav A; ryanlee, Sohrab V, Sheha E,  Katsuura Y, Qureshi S, Preoperative Cross-sectional Area of Psoas Muscle Correlates with Short-term Functional Outcomes after Posterior Lumbar Surgery, European Spine J, Jan 2023 , PMID: 37010611  

    Barber L, Katsuura Y, Qureshi S, Sacral Fractures a Review, HSS J, OCT 2022, PMID: 37065102  

    Louie PK, Sheikh Alshabab B, McCarthy MH, Virk S, Dowdell JE, Steinhaus ME, Lovecchio F, Samuel AM, Morse KW, Schwab FJ, Albert TJ, Qureshi SA, Iyer S, Katsuura Y, Huang RC, Cunningham ME, Yao YC, Weissmann K, Lafage R, Lafage V, Kim HJ, Classification system for cervical spine deformity morphology: a validation study, JNS SPINE 2022, PMID 35901688

    Perez AA, Yoon ES, Iyer S, Lafage V, Sandhu H, Schwab F, Albert TJ, Qureshi S, Kim HJ, Katsuura Y, Computer Tomography and Mangetic Resonance Imaging Overlay in the Spine for Surgical Planning: A Technical Report, HSS J 2022 Aug,d PMID 35846261  

    Lovecchio F, Langhand MT, Bennet T, Steinhaus M, Mremkumar A, Cunningham M, Farmer J, Albert T, Huang R, Katsuura Y, Qureshi S, Schwab F, Sandhu H, Kim HJ, Lafage V, Iyer S, Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Resuls of an Anonymous Survey, Int J Spine Surg, Aug 20201, PIMD 34285125 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Colon LF, Perez AA, Albert TJ, Qureshi SA, A Primer on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Spine Surgery, Clin Spine Surg, 2021 May, PIMD34050043  

    Louie PK, Perez AA, Setinhaus ME, Wright-Chisem J, Albert TJ, Kim HJ, Lafage V, Iyer S, Qureshi S, Katsuura Y, Morphometric analysis of Cervical Interlaminar Space for Posterior Surgical Approach and Decompression, Surg Radiol Anat. 2021, June PIMD 33159550  

    Iyer S, Shafi K, Lovecchio F, Turner R, Albert TJ, Kim HJ, Press J, Katsuura Y, Sandhu H, Schwab F, Qureshi S, The Spine Physical Examination Using Telemedicine: Strategies for Success, HSS Journal 2021; Feb 17. PMID 33967636    

    Katsuura Y, Lafage R, Kim HJ, Smith JS, et al, Alignment Targets, Curve Proportion and Mechanical Loading: Preliminary Analysis of an Ideal Shape Toward Reducing Proximal Junctional Kyphosis, Global Spine J, 2021 Jan, PIMD 33511871  

    Urakawa H, Tuckerman J,  Samuel A, Vaishnav A, Othman Y, Virk S,  Katsuura Y, Iyer S, McAnany S, Albert T, Gang Himo C, Qureshi S, The necessity and risk factors of subsequent fusion after decompression alone for lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar spondylolisthesis: 5 years of follow-up in two different large populations, Spine J, Jan 2020. PIMD 32417500  

    Samuel AM, Morse K, Lovecchio F, Maza N, Vaishnav AS, Katsuura Y, Iyer S, McAnany SJ, Albert TJ, Gang CH, Qureshi SA, Early Failures After Lumbar Discectomy Surgery: An Analysis of 62690 Patients, Global Spine J, 2020, July PIMD 32677471  

    Iyer S, Shafi K, Lovecchio F, Turner R, Albert TJ, Kim HJ, Press J, Katsuura Y, Sandhu H, Schwab F, Qureshi S, The Spine Physical Examination Using Telemedicine: Strategies and Best Practices, Global Spine Journal 2020; Aug 5. PMID 32755256  

    Colon LF, Isaza J, Katsuura Y, Nuss D, Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review, JBJS Case Connect 2020; 10(2):e0098, PMID 32649097  

    Katsuura Y, Yao K, Change E, Kadrie TA, Dorizas JA. Shoulder Double Crush Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of Patients with Concomitant Suprascapular Neuropathy and Cervical Radiculopathy. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskeletal Disord, 2020 Jun 22. PMID: 32612405  

    Davis FB, Katsuura Y, Dorizas JA. A retrospective Review of 112 Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression. J Orthop 2019 Nov 27;19:31-35. PMID: 32021032  

    Urakawa H, Jones T, Samuel A, Vaishnav A, Othman Y, Virk S, Katsuura Y, Iyer S, McAnany S, Albert T, Gang C, Qureshi S, The Necessity and Risk Factors of Subsequent Fusion After Decompression Alone for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: 5 Years Follow up in Two Different Large Populations, Spine J 2020, S1529-9430(20)30176-5, PMID: 32417500 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Shafi K, Jacques C, Virk S, Iyer S, Cunningham M, The New Strategies in Enhancing Spinal Fusion, HSS J, 2020 16:177-182. PMID: 32508545 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Wright-Chisem J, Wright-Chisem A, Virk S, Mcanany S, The Importance of Surface Technology in Spinal Fusion, HSS J, 2020 16:113-116. PMID: 32523478 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Qureshi S, Additive Manufacturing for Metal Applications in Orthopaedic Surgery, JAAOS 2020 Apr 15 8(8):e349-e355. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00420. PMID: 31939752  

    Samuel AM, Moore HG, Vaishnav AS, McAnany S, Albert T, Iyer S, Katsuura Y, Gang CH, Qureshi SA. Effect of Myelopathy on Early Clinical Improvement After Cervical Disc Replacement: A Study of a Local Patient Cohort and a Large National Cohort, Neurospine. 2019 Sep;16(3):563-573. doi:10.14245/ns.1938220.110. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 31607089  

    Katsuura Y, York PJ, Goto R, Yang J, Himo C, Qureshi S, Sagittal Reconstruction and Clinical Outcome Using Traditional ACDF, vs Stand-alone ACDF Vs TDR: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Analysis. Spine (2019). PMID: 31261280 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Hill A, Dorizas JA, MRI Diagnosis of Suprascapular Neuropathy Using Spinoglenoid Notch Distension. Radiol Med, March 5 2018. PMID: 30835024  

    Katsuura Y, Dirk K, Sacral Butterfly Vertebrae in the Setting of a Sacral Fracture and Unstable Pelvic Ring Injury: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Trauma Case Reports, Dec 6 2018. PMID: 30560193  

    York PJ, Katsuura Y, Qureshi SA (2019) Use of Zero Profile Devices for Multilevel ACDF: What Does the Literature Say? Vertebral Columns; ISASS Quarterly Journal. https://www.isass.org/category/news/vertebral-columns/

    Katsuura Y, Bruce J, Taylor S, Gulotta L, Kim HJ, Overlapping, Masquerading and Causative Cervical spine and Shoulder Pathology: A Review.  Global Spine Journal, December 10, 2018. PMID: 32206519. This was a top downloaded article for GSJ in both 2021 and 2020 ‍ ‍‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Kim HJ, Butterfly Vertebrae: A Systematic Review of the Literature and analysis. Global Spine Journal, September 18, 2018. PMID: 31448202. This was a top downloaded article for GSJ in 2019

    Katsuura Y, Chang E, Sabri A, Gardner W, Doty J. Anatomic Parameters for Instrumentation of the Sacrum and Pelvis: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Global Research and Reviews, June 21 2018. PMID: 30631829  

    Katsuura Y, Cincere B, Cason G, Osborn J, Metastatic MSSA Infection of the Spine and Extremities. British Medical Journal Case Reports.  British Medical Journal Case Reports. 2018 March 5. PMID: 29507017  

    Katsuura Y, Lorenz E, Gardner W. Anatomic Parameters of the Sacral Lamina for Osteosynthesis in Transverse Sacral Fractures. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, Online 2017 December, In print 2018, May; 40(11):521-528. PMID: 29218387  

    Katsuura Y, Lemons A, Lorenz E, Swafford R, Osborn J, Cason G. Radiographic Analysis of Cervical and Spinal Alignment in Multilevel ACDF with Lordotic Interbody Device. International Journal of Spine Surgery, 2017 April, 11(2): 91-98.  PMID: 28765797  

    Katsuura Y, Gardner WE. Transection of the Anterior Tibial Artery During Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of the Proximal Tibia. Trauma Case Reports, 2017 Jan 15, 8: 32-35. PMID: 29644311  

    Katsuura Y, Osborn J, Cason G. A Rare Cause of Neck Pain: Tumors of the Posterior Elements of the Cervical Spine: A Case Report. British Medical Journal Case Reports, 2016 Dec 15. PMID: 27979844  

    Doty J, Katsuura Y, Richardson N. Division Tenorrhaphy: A Novel Technique for Achilles Tendon Repair. Foot Ankle Spec. 2017 Jan. PMID: 28050916  

    Katsuura Y. Cason G, Osborn J.  The Epidemiology of Thoracolumbar Trauma: A Meta Analysis. J. Orthopaedics. 2016 Jul 13(14): 383-388. PMID: 27504058  

    Katsuura Y, Taha S. Mu Opioid Receptor Antagonism in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Blocks Consumption of a Preferred Sucrose Solution in an Anticipatory Contrast Paradigm. Neuroscience. 2014 Mar 7(261):144-52. PMID: 24342569  

    Katsuura Y, Mcgrogan K, The Abuse of Stimulant Drugs Within the Medical Education Setting, RCSI SMJ, 2013 6(1): 74-78. ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Russell V, The Dark Cartoon: Intrusive Imagery Secondary to Childhood Sexual Abuse, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine 2012 Jan 29(3):171-175. PMID: 30200052 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Grade 4 Arteriovenous Malformation, RCSI SMJ 2012 5(1):50-53. ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Ring Enhancing Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis, RCSI SMJ 2011;4(1):31-34.  

    Stephen B. Gunther, MD; William W. Bowen, MD; Yoshihiro Katsuura, BA; Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release Using Nerve Conduction Monitoring Requires No Incisions, Orthopedics Today (March, 2011). ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Heckmann JA, Taha SA, Mu Opioid Receptor Signaling in the Nucleus Accumbens Elevates Fatty Tastant Intake by Increasing Palatability and Suppressing Satiety Signals, American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Comparative and Integrative Physiology 2011 May 4301(1):R244-54. PMID: 21543633 ‍ ‍

    Katsuura Y, Taha SA, Modulation of feeding and locomotion through mu and delta opioid receptor signaling in the nucleus accumbens, Neuropeptides 2010 Jun;44(3):225-32. PMID: 20044138  

    Taha S.A., Katsuura Y, Noorvash D, Seroussi A, H.L. Fields. Convergent, Not Serial, Striatal and Pallidal Circuits Regulate Opioid Induced Palatable Food Intake, Neuroscience, 2009 Jul 7;161(3):718-33. PMID: 19336249

  • Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic

    • Fully Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD)

    • Fully Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy

    • Endoscopic Foraminotomy — lumbar and cervical

    • Endoscopic Laminotomy / Spinal Canal Decompression

    • Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS-TLIF)

    • Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF / XLIF)

    • Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS-ALIF)

    • Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation

    • Tubular Microdiscectomy

    • Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy (Posterior Keyhole)

    Deformity & Complex Reconstruction

    • Adult Spinal Deformity Correction

    • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

    • Degenerative Scoliosis Correction

    • Multilevel Lumbar and Cervical Reconstruction

    • Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO)

    • Smith-Petersen Osteotomy (SPO)

    • Three-Column Osteotomy (3CO)

    • Sagittal Balance Restoration

    Cervical Spine

    • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

    • Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (Cervical ADR) — motion-preserving

    • Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty

    • Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

    • Occipitocervical Fusion

    • Cervical Corpectomy and Reconstruction

    Lumbar Spine

    • Lumbar Microdiscectomy

    • Lumbar Laminectomy

    • Lumbar Spinal Fusion (TLIF, PLIF, ALIF, LLIF)

    • Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty — motion-preserving

    • Sacropelvic Fixation (S2-AI)

    • Lumbar Revision and Redo Surgery

    Tumor, Trauma & Oncology

    • Spinal Tumor Resection — primary and metastatic

    • Vertebral Augmentation — Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

    • Spinal Fracture Fixation and Stabilization

    • Corpectomy and Cage Reconstruction

    • En Bloc Tumor Resection

    Orthobiologics & Regenerative

    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection — disc and facet

    • Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC)

    • Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) Therapy

    • Biologic Bone Grafting and Fusion Enhancement

    Pain Management & Non-Operative Interventions

    • Epidural Steroid Injections — lumbar and cervical

    • Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks

    • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

    • Sacroiliac Joint Injections

    • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

    • Trigger Point Injections

  • Board Certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

    California Medical License

    New York Medical License

Performing surgery is no different than painting a masterpiece— each stroke is first calculated, then precisely executed.

TrueLayer logo with blue and gray colors
US News & World Report logo with blue, white, and red colors.

REVIEWS FROM THE WEB