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Kirk Owens, II

Kirk Owens, II, MD

Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery

Accepting New Patients
Need help scheduling? Call 502-629-1234

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Pediatrics
  • Teenagers
  • Adults

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About Kirk Owens, II

Years In Practice

14

Biography/ Philosophy of Care

Kirk Owens, M.D. is a native of Maysville, Kentucky. He graduated Cum Laude from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended medical school at the University of Louisville where he both graduated Magna Cum Laude and was accepted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Society. He completed his residency at the University of Louisville and a spine fellowship at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Following fellowship, he became a staff surgeon for Norton Leatherman Spine Center where he has practiced since 2011. He also serves as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Louisville Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Owens spends his free time with his wife, children, and enjoying outdoor sports.

Recognition

Publications:

Crawford CH 3rd, Glassman SD, Djurasovic M, Owens RK 2nd, Gum JL, Carreon LY. Prognostic Factors Associated with Best Outcomes (Minimal Symptom State) Following Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Conditions. Spine J. 2018 Jun 27.

Jazini E, Gum JL, Glassman SD, Crawford CH 3rd, Djurasovic M, Owens RK 2nd, Dimar JR 2nd, McGraw KE, Carreon LY. Cost-effectiveness of circumferential fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis: propensity-matched comparison of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with anterior-posterior fusion. Spine J. 2018 Apr 26.

Owens RK II, Carreon LY, Bisson E, Bydon M, Potts E, Glassman SD. Back pain improves significantly following discectomy for treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Spine J. 2018 Feb 14.

Owens RK, Djurasovic M, Crawford CH 3rd, Glassman SD, Dimar JR 2nd, Carreon LY. Impact of Surgical Approach on Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Lumbar Pseudarthrosis. Global Spine J. 2016:6;786-791.

Owens RK 2nd, Djurasovic M, Onyekwelu I, Bratcher KR, McGraw KE, Carreon LY. Outcomes and revision rates in normal, overweight and obese patients five years after lumbar fusion. Spine J. 2016:16;1178-83.

Carreon LY, Djurasovic M, Dimar JR 2nd, Owens RK 2nd, Crawford CH 3rd, Puno RM, Bratcher KR, McGraw KE, Glassman SD. Can the anxiety domain of EQ-5D and mental health items from SF-36 help predict outcomes after surgery for lumbar degenerative disorders? J Neurosurg Spine. 2016:6;1-5.

Owens RK 2nd, Carreon LY, Djurasovic M, Glassman SD. Relative Benefit of TLIF vs. PSF Stratified by Diagnostic Indication. J Spinal Disord Tech 2014:27; 144-7.

Schlierf T, Crawford CH 3rd, Carreon LY, Owens RK 2nd. Delayed Spontaneous Reduction of Traumatic Pediatric Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation. Am J Orthop 2014:43; E61-4.

Jones-Quaidoo SM, Djurasovic M, Owens RK 2nd, Carreon LY. Superior Articulating Facet Violation: Percutaneous versus Open Techniques. J Neurosurg Spine 2013:18; 593-7.

Owens RK 2nd , Crawford CH 3rd, Djurasovic M, Canan CE, Burke LO, Bratcher KR, McCarthy KJ, Carreon LY. Predictive factors for the use of cell saver in lumbar spinal surgery. Spine 2013:38; E217-22.

Canan CE, Myers JA, Owens RK, Crawford CH 3rd, Djurasovic M, Burke LO, Bratcher KR, McCarthy KJ, Carreon LY. Blood Salvage Produces Higher Total Blood Product Costs in Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Surgery. Spine 2013:38;703-8.

Owens K, Glassman SD, Howard JM, Djurasovic M, Carreon LY. Perioperative complications with rhBMP-2 in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Eur Spine J 2011:20; 612-7.

Owens, II RK, Parameswaran AD, Seligson D, Roberts CS. A Simple Technique of Outpatient Clinic Removal of External Fixators Using a Topical Cryorefrigerant Anesthetic. Osteo Trauma Care 2005: 13; 261-263.

JJ Hoth, MJ Scott, RK Owens, NA Stassen, GA Franklin, WG Cheadle, JL Rodriguez. Trauma alters alveolar effector cell apoptosis. Surgery 2003: 134; 631-8.

Lectures:
Spine Conference Lectures: Herniated nucleus pulposis/stenosis, Overview of evaluation and management, Cervical spine sports injury, Coding.

Honors & Awards:
Louisville Magazine's Top Surgeon in Spinal Surgery 2014
NASS Value Abstract Award 2012
Blood Salvage Produces Higher Total Blood Product Costs in Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Clinical Interests/Research

Clinical/Research Interests:

Minimally invasive spine surgery, Cervical and lumbar disc herniation, Cervical and lumbar stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Scoliosis: pediatric and adult, complex spine reconstruction, infection, spine trauma, spine tumors

Clinical outcomes following degenerative spine surgery and minimally invasive surgery, cost savings and cost-effectiveness in spine surgery.

Locations

  1. Norton Leatherman Spine - Stonestreet Rd
    • phone: 502-935-8061
    • fax: 502-933-7010
  2. Norton Leatherman Spine - St Matthews
    • phone: 502-584-7525
    • fax: 502-584-6851
  3. Norton Leatherman Spine - Downtown
    • phone: 502-584-7525
    • fax: 502-584-6851
  4. Norton Leatherman Spine - Angies Way
    • phone: 502-584-7525
    • fax: 502-584-6851
  5. Norton Leatherman Spine Center
    • phone: 502-584-7525
    • fax: 502-584-6851

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2010
  • Medical Education: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 2005

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2013

Insurance

Please contact the practice directly to confirm your health plan is in network.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Better Health
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Ambetter from MHS
  • Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Indiana Medicaid
  • Anthem MediBlue HMO/PPO
  • Anthem Pathway
  • Anthem Pathway Transition
  • CareSource Indiana Medicaid
  • CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana
  • Cigna
  • CorVel
  • Coventry
  • Encore
  • Essence
  • First Health Group Corp. (First Health)
  • HealthSmart
  • Hosparus
  • Humana Medicaid
  • Humana Medicare
  • Indiana Health Network
  • Indiana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicare
  • Kentucky Medicaid
  • Kentucky Medicare
  • MDwise
  • MHS
  • Molina Healthcare
  • MultiPlan
  • Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO
  • Passport Marketplace
  • Provider Net/OMCA
  • Sagamore
  • Signature Advantage
  • SIHO
  • TRICARE Humana Military
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky
  • United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
  • UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
  • Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • WellCare
  • WellCare Medicare
  • WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)
  • Wellpath
  • Workers’ Compensation

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5

193 ratings, 54 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Provider explained things clearly
Provider listened carefully
Provider gave easy to understand instruction
Provider knew important medical history
Provider showed respect for what you said
Provider spent enough time with you
Provider Rating
Provider explained things clearly
Provider showed concern
Provider included you in decisions
Likelihood of recommending this provider
Provider discussed treatment options
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/28/2026

    Everyone was very nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/26/2026

    Showed us the X-rays, MRI so we could see where the problem was and how it could be resolved

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/17/2026

    Dr. Owens was very attentive to my questions and concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/15/2026

    Everyone worked to make sure I was comfortable, knew what was going on, and I was given the medical information I needed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/15/2026

    Everyone was very nice. They answered any questions that I had.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Great place to go. I needed to get in as soon as I could. They got me an appointment in in 3 days from the time I called. Very great people working and the take your health very seriously.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/7/2026

    Dr Owen's is a wonderful Dr. He listens and is very attentive

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/7/2026

    I was called back promptly at my appt time. Everyone is always so nice there. Dr Owens is wonderful. He's performed four back surgeries on me and is being proactive about additional procedures I need and tests I need.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/21/2025

    Always a good visit

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/13/2025

    Service was 100% from the time we entered the door. I hardly had a chance to sit down before I was asked to go back. I absolutely loved this physician upon meeting him. He was very easy to communicate with and very caring. The office staff went above and beyond.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/12/2025

    Dr Owens is the BEST doctor I have ever been to!! I am so lucky to have him as my back surgeon!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Todo estuvo excelente muy buena atenci?n en sentido general

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/4/2025

    Dr. Kirk Owens is the best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/4/2025

    Very pleased with Dr Owens.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/27/2025

    Absolute finest care, the surgery turned out fantastic have already recommended friends and family to him with back problems

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Dr. Owens has went above and beyond with care before and since my back surgery. I've had some minor complications, and he has closely monitored and addressed them.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    They have always been very friendly and professional and I've. Been there several times... D

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/1/2025

    Very nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    The young man at registration was very pleasant courteous and professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/23/2025

    I didnt feel like this was my 1st time at the office because just after meeting both the people I saw I felt like they were genuinely my friends. I couldn't have been more satisfied in a 1st visit to anywhere

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    So, Caring and interested in my needs

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    Dr. Owens was late seeing me but he apologized as soon as he entered the room and explained that all of the patients he had seen prior to me were scheduled to have surgery and he had to spend extra time with them! He was very courteous and explained everything nicely to me!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/1/2025

    This office is very easy to get to in which Dr. Owens practices . He's the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/20/2025

    He takes time with me and answers all of my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/10/2025

    Dr. Owen is an amazing doctor I have had two surgeries from him and both were successful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/5/2025

    Dr. Owens is one of the best, he is very knowledgeable and explains everything in detail and listens I highly recommend him

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/4/2025

    Excelente

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/1/2025

    He was kind, respectful, honest and very thorough and listened well! Dr. Owen was we're good with explanations of my medical problem, and the surgery I needed to correct the health issue! I asked quite a few questions that he answered all of them with patience and very thoroughly! He is an excellent listener! I would recommend Dr. Owen as the best physician for back and neck problems.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/1/2025

    This was a second opinion visit for back surgery. Dr. Owens was great and he agreed with the surgery that my surgeon was recommending.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Penny,RN and Dr.Owens are great!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Excellent surgeon

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Excellent service

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/13/2025

    Dr. Owens looked at the incision and said it was time to remove the staples. He said he was happy we chose to have the incision closed instead of choosing wound care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/8/2025

    Everyone was very kind and courteous I think the world of Dr. Owens and staffS

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/7/2025

    He is an excellent surgeon.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/6/2025

    Care and concern was excellent, as usual

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Dr Owens was very professional and courteous. He laid out a plan of card that I truly appreciated

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/17/2025

    Excellent service. Excellent knowledge. Cannot say enough good things about Dr. Owens and his staff.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/11/2025

    Provider was fine. [...] I have no complaints about this provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    I have faith in Dr Owen because he has fixed several places on my spine. Wouldn't go to any one else

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Solo quiero reconocer la atenci?n por el De Kirt Owen y todo su equipo m?dico y recepcionistas como exelentes proffesionkb Los felicito a todos . Estoy muy contenta con mi cirug?a . Ha sido un ?xito favorable a mi favor o

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    [...] Dr Owens are very professional, kind and such great listeners!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/13/2025

    Dr Owens provided surgery that changed my life for the better and I'm so grateful! Everyone in the practice has been positive and supportive on every occasion.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/11/2025

    The provider was very knowledgeable and friendly.

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/22/2025

    Doctor was nice I only had about 10 minutes of an actual doctor visit

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/15/2025

    Dr. Owen's is amazing! He gave me my life back!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/10/2025

    Dr Owens is a very good DR!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/7/2025

    I work for another Orthopaedic group of doctors who do not treat back issues. After talking with Dr. Owens about my back issues, I will continue to refer our patients with back issues to him

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/5/2025

    Satisfied

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Dr Owens & his staff have been very kind professional & helped me as they could

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/24/2025

    Very professional & honest...

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/23/2025

    Very polite and caring .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/18/2025

    Scheduled MRI standing up to get a better impression. Knew other doctors that I'm working with and they all have shared information to better care for me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/17/2025

    All nice and polite