- More Than 38 Years in the Business
- Over 51 Years of Industry Experience

Cervical
Thoracic

- Medical Director of The Spine Network of California
- Founder of the San Francisco Spine Center
- President of the Simmons Surgical Society
- Affiliated with the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital

Lumbar
Trusted Orthopedic Surgeon in San Leandro, CA
Partnering with Kenneth I Light MD Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery means you are taking the first step toward benefiting from the expertise of Dr. Kenneth Light. As an esteemed orthopedic surgeon in San Leandro, CA, with extensive experience, Dr. Light specializes in performing surgeries on patients with spinal injuries. He collaborates with attorneys and law firms to support these injured patients in court.
We are proud to be affiliated with Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, ensuring you receive care of the highest standards.
Dr. Kenneth Light’s Qualifications
Dr. Light serves as the Medical Director of The Spine Network of California. He is also the founder of the renowned San Francisco Spine Center and holds the esteemed position of President at the Simmons Surgical Society.
His exceptional qualifications, including his extensive credentials, memberships in professional organizations, internships, fellowships, and notable published work, showcase his expertise and dedication in the field.
Credentials
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York B.A., 1972
- Cornell University, College of Medicine M.D., 1976
- Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Surgery
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, 1981
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, 1985
- Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, 1985
- Certified Specialist in Spinal Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1985
Positions Held
- Private Practice at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
Jensen, Watson and Light, M.D.’s, Inc., 1981 – present - Director of Spinal Surgery
San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, 1985 - Co-Medical Director
San Francisco Spine Center at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, 1991 – 2007
Memberships
Dr. Light holds prestigious memberships in several esteemed organizations, reflecting his commitment to excellence in the field of orthopedic surgery. He is an active member of The Leroy Abbott Society, Simmons Surgical Society, San Francisco Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.
Additionally, Dr. Light is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. His impressive qualifications also include being a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Professional Training
In 1976, Dr. Light received the Walter S. Teagle Scholarship at the Cornell University College of Medicine.
Internship
Dr. Light completed his internship in General Surgery at the University of California, San Diego, CA, from 1976 to 1977.
Residency
- Resident in General Surgery
University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 1977 – 1978 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 1978 – 1981 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
French Hospital, San Francisco, CA, July – December 1978 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
San Francisco, General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, January – June 1979 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
University Hospital, July – December 1979 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
Kaiser Hospital, Oakland, CA, January – June 1980 - Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA, July – December 1980 - Chief Resident in Orthopedic Surgery
San Francisco, General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, January – July 1981
Fellowship
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Scientific Presentations
- University of California, San Francisco Grand Rounds: Disorders of the Patellofemoral Joint, September 1978
- University of California, San Francisco Grand Rounds: Supracondylar Fractures of the Femur, March 1980
- The Leroy Abbott Society: Femoral Neck Fractures, The San Francisco General Hospital Experience, May 1980
- Roswell Park Memorial Institute Lecture Series: Metastatic Tumors of the Spine, December 1984
- State University of New York. Graduation: Metastatic Disease of the Spine, A Rational Approach, May 1985
- Combined Rounds: General Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery State University of New York at Buffalo, September 1984. Compartment Syndrome
- Scoliosis Research Society, San Diego, California A Rational Approach to the Surgical Management of Metastatic Disease of the Spine, September 1985
- International Symposium of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing, China Metastatic Disease of the Spine; The Indications and Technique of Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion, November 1985
- Grand Rounds: Kaiser Hospital, Oakland, California The Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Disease of the Spine, February 1986
- The Leroy Abbott Society Metastatic Diseases of the Spine, 1986
- The Leroy Abbott Society A Prospective Analysis of Myelogram, CT, Discogram, and MRI in the Diagnosis of Degenerative Disease of Lumbar Spine, May 1987
- Faculty Fundamental Problems of Low Back Disability. Buffalo, New York, July 1987 Metastatic Disease of the Spine; The Clinical Assessment of Low Back Disability
- Faculty American Back Society Bioskills Workshop, San Francisco, CA, December 1987
- International Society for Study of the Lumbar Spine, Miami, Florida
“Metastatic Diseases of the Spine: A Rational Approach.” April 1988 - Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons, Carmel, California
“Metastatic Diseases of the Spine: A Rational Approach.” April 1988 - American Back Society, Orlando, Florida
Grand Rounds, Bioskills Workshop and Consultation Clinic, May 1988 - Simmons Surgical Society, Carmel, California
“A Prospective Study of MRI, Myelogram, CT Scan, and Discogram in the Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease of the Spine.” May 1988 - American Orthopedic Association, Hot Springs, Virginia
“Metastatic Diseases of the Spine.” June 1988 - North American Spine Society, Colorado Springs, Colorado
“Metastatic Diseases of the Spine.” July 1988 - Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo
“The Clinical Assessment of a Patient with Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain.” July 1988 - Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo
“The Indications and Technique of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with the Keystone Technique.” July 1988 - Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, Honolulu, Hawaii
“Indications and Techniques of Spinal Surgery.” September 1988 - American Back Society, San Francisco, California
“Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: The Simmons Keystone Technique.” December 1988 - Federation of Spinal Associations, Las Vegas, Nevada
“Diseases of the Spine: A Rational Approach.” February 1989 - American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Las Vegas, Nevada
Diseases of the Spine: A Rational Approach.” February 1989 - Spinal Deformity and Trauma in 1989, Buffalo, New York
Reconstruction of the Spine for Malignant Disease.” July 1989
Publications
- Metastatic Disease of the Spine: Incidence, Disability Patterns and Treatment. Accepted: Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research
- Simmons Keystone Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion: Surgical Rounds for Orthopedists., October 1989
Our Practice Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does he take?
Medicare assignment, participating provider organizations (PPO), and Workers’ Compensation
What hospital is he affiliated with?
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
What type of surgeries does Dr. Light offer?
Dr. Kenneth Light offers state-of-the-art surgeries in disc surgery of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine for prior failed back surgery and correct of spinal deformities, decompression of spinal stenosis, state-of-the-art spinal reconstruction, and disc replacement arthroplasty.
Does he perform Artificial Disc Replacement surgery?
Yes.
Why is tobacco bad for fusion surgery?
Tobacco itself is not a problem. The nicotine in the direct smoker helps to cause constriction of the arterioles, which decreases circulation and healing of the spinal fusion.
Do I need to bring any films for my appointment?
Yes, bring all diagnostics films and reports to your appointment. This will provide a complete evaluation of your current condition.
Do you take motor vehicle accident cases?
Yes. Before the appointment, we will need a letter from your automobile insurance company stating the available medical expenses from your accident. In addition, we will also require private insurance coverage. We do not accept liens.
