Ryan K. Takenaga, MD, MA

Ryan K. Takenaga, MD, MA

General Orthopedics

Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery

Triangle Region

Chapel Hill
Oxford
Roxboro
North Carolina Specialty Hospital

Dr. Ryan Takenaga is an EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region orthopedic doctor specializing in general orthopedics. Dr. Takenaga’s patients and their family members are regularly impressed with his caring nature and excellent bedside manner. His compassion and empathy, combined with his knowledge of operative and non-operative treatment options, equip him to treat patients’ comprehensive musculoskeletal issues. He strives to help patients achieve an active lifestyle and improve their quality of life.

Education and Expertise

Dr. Takenaga attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied business economics. After two years in the business world, he pursued a master’s degree in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University in La Mirada, CA, and then started a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin.

A passion to serve those in need prompted Dr. Takenaga to leave academic philosophy to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and then completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. During residency, Dr. Takenaga performed research, published articles, and presented at meetings on topics such as fragility fractures and the long-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty.

Prior to joining EmergeOrtho, Dr. Takenaga practiced orthopedic surgery in Toledo, Ohio. He enjoys working with general orthopedic patients to address a variety of subspecialties, injuries, and conditions which include:

His training and experience in general orthopedics, as well as the knee, hip, and shoulder enable Dr. Takenaga to perform a number of conservative and surgical treatment methods, which include:

  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus surgery
  • Rotator cuff and labral repair
  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Shoulder replacement
  • Carpal tunnel and trigger finger releases
  • Tendon repair
  • Fracture treatment of the upper and lower extremities
  • Arthroscopic techniques
  • Shoulder pain
  • Knee pain
  • Knee replacement
  • Hip replacement

Community Connections

Dr. Takenaga resides in Durham with his wife, Nancy, and their son, Dylan, and two daughters, Sophie and Lizzy. They enjoy youth sports, camping, the Carolina beaches, and exploring local eateries and attractions. Together, they have also gone on medical mission trips to Kijabe, Kenya, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Read More

Education

  • Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
  • Graduate: Biola University
  • Medical school: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Honors

  • Patients’ Choice Award (2017, 2018, 2020)
  • On-Time Doctor Award (2017, 2018, 2020)
  • Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2017, 2018, 2020)

Associations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America
  • North Carolina Orthopedic Association
  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Request a consultation with Dr. Takenaga now. Or, call us at 919-220-5255 any time to speak with an EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region team member.

A New Level Of Orthopedic Care Has Emerged

As our patient, you will benefit from a full range of orthopedic services, specialties and technologies, including physical and hand therapy, advanced imaging services, and urgent care walk-in services providing immediate diagnosis and treatment for urgent orthopedic conditions.