Dr. Takenaga attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Business Economics. After two years in the business world, he pursued a Masters 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 him to leave academic philosophy and pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and then completed orthopaedic 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 Triangle Orthopaedics, now EmergeOrtho, Dr. Takenaga practiced orthopaedic surgery in Toledo, Ohio. He enjoys working with patients with general orthopaedic problems and has developed broad clinical interests and experience. This includes sports medicine, with an emphasis on arthroscopic techniques, such as ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, and rotator cuff and labral repair. It also includes joint replacement surgery, focusing on hip, knee and shoulder replacements. He also performs common hand procedures, such as carpal tunnel and trigger finger releases, tendon repair, and treats fractures of the upper and lower extremities. 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 knowledge of operative and non-operative treatment options, make him well equipped to treat patients’ comprehensive musculoskeletal issues. He strives to work together with patients to help them achieve an active lifestyle and improved quality of life.
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.
