IKEMEFUNA ONYEKWELU, MD

Meet Dr. Onyekwelu

Dr. Onyekwelu is a Board Certified, Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon specializing in complex degenerative disorders of the spine, including pinched nerves of the neck and sciatica. He employs the latest in minimally invasive techniques and motion-preserving technology (i.e. disc replacement) where suitable. He sees patients with spine fractures, infections and scoliosis.

Dr. Onyekwelu was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Following high school, he returned to the United States where he earned his undergraduate degree at Temple University. He completed his medical training with honors from the American University of Antigua, College of Medicine, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He attained a year of specialized training in Anatomic Surgical Pathology in New York. Dr. Onyekwelu completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Louisville where he received numerous awards including the prestigious Fischer Owen Resident Research Award. He followed his residency training with a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at the world-renowned Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Dr. Onyekwelu has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, featured in the top spine and orthopedic journals. His research has been presented at national and international meetings. He is an elected active fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and active member of the North American Spine Society and the Scoliosis Research Society.

With his extensive training, Dr. “O” serves the communities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, including neighboring towns and states in the Southeastern, Midwest and Southwestern region of the United States. His treatment philosophy is based on the best available evidence while employing an individualized but comprehensive treatment approach for each patient.

EDUCATION

MEDICAL SCHOOL

American University of Antigua, College of Medicine

RESIDENCY

University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery

FELLOWSHIP

Twin Cities Spine Center, Orthopedic Spine Surgery

CERTIFICATION

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC

Patient Reviews

“Doctor O was and remains one of the best and most professional individuals I have ever been in contact with in delivering the highest quality care along with really enjoying being around him. He, along with his nurse assistant, make you feel like they really care about you and your condition that brought you to OrthoArkansas”- C. Franks

“Doctor Ikemefuna Onyekwelu is one of the best doctors I have had in years. I would definitely recommend him.”- M. Brooks

"Dr. O is SUPERMAN in my book" —Phillip B.

“Doctor Ikemefuna Onyekwelu is one of the best doctors I have had in years. I would definitely recommend him.” —Della R.

“Overall atmosphere was very professional and informative for the situation I was going through, couldn't ask for a better group than OrthoArkansas. Special shout out to Dr. O and Nurse Laura!!!” —Alex M.

“Doctor O was and remains one of the best and most professional individuals I have ever been in contact with in delivering the highest quality care along with really enjoying being around him. He, along with his nurse assistant, make you feel like they really care about you and your condition that brought you to OrthoArkansas. Hopefully, my future medical needs won’t cause me to have to return for treatment due to a new injury, but if I do, there isn’t any other place I would go except back to OrthoArkansas. Thanks again for making me and my family feel special at OrthoArkansas.” Patrick H.

"Dr. O is the first doctor out of FIVE that was willing to help me with my problem.  I can’t thank him enough for being willing to do my surgery. I haven’t felt this good in over two years, and Dr. O is the reason why.  He is an ANGEL.” —Alice B.

"Thank you Laura. I cannot express how good you and the rest of OrthoArkansas have treated me. Dr. O is amazing. I hold him in the same light as Dr. Paul Wendel. Amazing people and great physicians. Thank you again." —Thomas D.

Professional Associations