William Ryan Spiker,
MD
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Dr. Spiker treats conditions of the neck and back such as disk herniations, spinal stenosis, cervical myelopathy and deformities of the spine. He believes in the thoughtful use of new technologies, including minimally invasive surgery and image-guided techniques. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah, he enjoys the benefits of working closely with non operative spine specialists and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care to his patients.
Dr. Spiker’s research interests include the treatment of cervical spine disorders, spine imaging techniques and the genetics of common spinal conditions. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on these and other related topics.
Dr. Spiker studied Biochemistry and History and The University of California at Santa Barbara and earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah and a dual Orthopaedic Spine and Neurosurgical Spine Fellowship at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Clinical Locations
South Jordan Health Center
801-213-4500
University Orthopaedic Center
801-587-7100
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Assistant Professor Neurosurgery - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
| Board Certification | American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery |
Patient Ratings
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.8/ 5
Care provider spoke using clear language
4.8/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
My confidence in care provider
4.8/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.1/ 5
Time care provider spent with me
4.6/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5
Care provider's friendliness and courtesy
4.8/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
April 11, 2017
Dr. Spiker and technechs were all great. They all spent good time with me. my son and I were both very happy.
UofU Patient
April 10, 2017
Doc is spectacular
UofU Patient
April 04, 2017
very good
UofU Patient
March 25, 2017
love the Doctor
UofU Patient
March 19, 2017
Dr. Spiker made me feel like he really cared about my circumstances and that he could help me.
UofU Patient
March 14, 2017
Extremely satisfied with the care from Dr Spiker and team. I have been well prepared for each step of my care.
UofU Patient
March 08, 2017
Knowledgeable, professional, accommodating, helpful, educational. Great experience
UofU Patient
February 20, 2017
Good
UofU Patient
February 15, 2017
Dr Spiker was very good with me and explained every option available as well as what to expect. He seems very kind and very professional
UofU Patient
January 30, 2017
He took the time to explain things and he made me feel like he really cared how I was feeling and trying to help me feel better
UofU Patient
December 27, 2016
Provided excellent descriptions and information. Questions and concerns thoroughly and completely answered.
UofU Patient
December 27, 2016
excellent care
UofU Patient
December 25, 2016
Spiker is the best!
UofU Patient
December 13, 2016
Both Dr Spiker and his Nurse Keeley took all the time needed to conduct a thorough exam of my issue and to explain what my choices for treatment were. When I chose a course of action Dr Spiker explained the procedure very well and answered all of my questions.
UofU Patient
November 21, 2016
I have nothing but good things to say about dr. spiker, very down to earth, caring, sympathetic with my pain and willing to get answers to me and my family, he even made sure my kids felt comfortable in being in the room with us, he shows a sincere kindness to his patients, and there's nothing I appreciate more than having a brilliant surgeon that still has his human side. I am forever grateful with him, he was the first surgeon that, even tho, he was honest with me about possible side effects from surgery, gave me hope about getting better, and 6 weeks post op, my life has improved drastically, and keeps getting better. I prayed to God for years to put me in the hands of an amazing doctor that would fix my back, and I can honestly say, he did.
UofU Patient
November 15, 2016
no medications
UofU Patient
November 15, 2016
I felt that everyone had time for me
UofU Patient
November 15, 2016
My Dr. appeared rushed and didn't spend very much time with me, I felt hurried and didn't get all my questions answered. Same as the assistant with medication questions, short answers, hurried out. No mention whatsoever about a follow up at all. That being said, Dr. Spiker did give me info that helped clear up some concerns I had and I feel better about my condition.
UofU Patient
November 05, 2016
good
UofU Patient
October 31, 2016
I would advise establishing a general practice of creating a plan of care for patients. My clinic does this so that patients are more supported during a specific period of time. Toughing it out until a procedure is not a plan of care. Overall, I think Ortho does a good job, but this area is lacking.
UofU Patient
September 28, 2016
Very helpful
UofU Patient
September 06, 2016
Professional
UofU Patient
August 30, 2016
We feel very confident and happy with Dr. Spiker' care as well as his staff. Surgery isn't easy but having such a great doctor helps.
UofU Patient
August 06, 2016
I wish for more hands on exam and more understanding of my condition. I'm not sure that my condition is fully understood.
UofU Patient
August 06, 2016
helpful
UofU Patient
July 30, 2016
I would have liked printed material explaining my condition and why surgery
UofU Patient
July 15, 2016
I have all the confidence in the world in my Dr. I feel that is one reason my recovery had been so successful, his staff has been great also. thanks for the great care.
UofU Patient
July 09, 2016
Appreciated the doctor's time spent with us in answering all of our questions.
UofU Patient
July 05, 2016
Excellent first visit.
UofU Patient
June 27, 2016
A little concerned about having to choose back surgery or neck surgery. I hope choose the right one.
UofU Patient
May 27, 2016
fantastic
UofU Patient
April 26, 2016
I have had a very good outcome to my surgery, and Dr. Spiker seems very attuned to and interested in my treatment and its outcome.
UofU Patient
April 26, 2016
I felt bad for the Physician Assistant, he had to listen to all my crazy questions, and aches and pains. He was wonderful and explained that is what they need to hear to figure out the problem. I appreciated his time and care. Dr. Spiker explained the MRI so that both my husband and I could understand THANK YOU
UofU Patient
April 19, 2016
Dr. Spiker and Dr. Uffman were very kind and patient. I was in a lot of pain and they were gentle with me. explained everything. they are great!
UofU Patient
April 10, 2016
I felt very comfortable with the P A and Dr. Spiker. Am looking forward to having surgery with him and being able to get on with my life.
UofU Patient
March 08, 2016
Dr. Spiker was excellent in all areas of care. He was thorough, did not make me feel rushed, and inspired complete confidence. Great "Bedside manner". I am very grateful.
UofU Patient
March 08, 2016
my experience was very good I appreciated the time Dr. Spiker took to show me the problem and to tell me what my options were. I am not sure if I will adjust to the medication prescribed, i am very dizzy.
UofU Patient
February 28, 2016
Dr Spiker has been Great from the 1st meeting thru the surgery. I highly recommend Dr Spiker!
UofU Patient
February 22, 2016
Very good.
UofU Patient
February 11, 2016
I've recommended Dr. Spiker to many of my friends. My functionality and quality of life have improved beyond my expectations.
UofU Patient
February 09, 2016
Dr. Spiker is very groovy. I've recommended him to many of my friends. I'm very fortunate to have to met him and his staff. He is the best I could have hoped for as my surgeon. Great bed side manner and surgical skills. This spinal fusion was a breeze; much easier than my discectomies in the past.
UofU Patient
January 17, 2016
Again, they were behind the day of my visit, so things seemed a little rushed. I don't blame Dr. Spiker for that; I have a friend who used to be a physician in the U of U healthcare system, and know about how closely together appointments get scheduled--sometimes to the point where the physician doesn't have time for lunch or a bathroom break. Again, that's ridiculous, and doesn't allow for contingencies if patients need extra time with the doctor.
UofU Patient
January 12, 2016
Dr Spiker and his staff do an excellent job
UofU Patient
January 08, 2016
You all were great.
UofU Patient
January 06, 2016
Dr. Spiker is always very patient, answers all my questions, and I never feel rushed.
UofU Patient
November 29, 2015
The very first visit I knew I was in good hands and felt trustworthy of Dr. Spiker immediately. I'm getting ready for neck surgery which has always terrified me at the thought but I feel confidence in Dr. Spiker. I would definitely recommend this orthopedic o#ice.
UofU Patient
November 23, 2015
Excellent experience
UofU Patient
November 08, 2015
good
UofU Patient
November 06, 2015
I have seen dr Striker 2 times. He was very nice and talked good to me. A few days after I had several questions to ask him that is very important to me but I can't get anyone to call me back. I have called every day for the last 10 working days but no one calls me back. I really need some help as I have a broken back. I would like to be referred to another doctor that I can get the help I need!
UofU Patient
October 31, 2015
I appreciated the ongoing recommendations and expedient referral
UofU Patient
October 06, 2015
I appreciated his honesty and for the recommendation of the custom brace.
UofU Patient
October 06, 2015
Decision on treatment has not been determined, as yet
UofU Patient
October 05, 2015
Upon urging from a very good friend who is a physical therapist I changed from IHC to the University for my WCF ortho issues. I have always felt that this was a life changing decision as my ortho team has worked with me to keep me mobile with adequate pain control. I feel that the quality of care dramatically improved under the University system.
UofU Patient
September 15, 2015
They were all very kind and caring especially on my first visit the medical assistant that I am sorry to say I can't remember his name. He was the kindest most understanding individual, then I met Dr. Spiker and he is the same. Amazing, it was a wonderful experience. The assistant and Dr Spiker on my first visit made my situation easy and they handled it with kindness and respect. The second assistant was kind and professional as well but the first one was exceptional. Again, thank you.
UofU Patient
September 15, 2015
Dr. Spiker and his staff are very conscientious about delivering information in a very understandable manner. The doctor gives full attention and makes one feel open to provide comments and ask questions.
UofU Patient
September 12, 2015
good
UofU Patient
September 02, 2015
As I stated before, Dr. Spiker and Jason Montgomery were exceptional. They truly showed they cared and went to great lengths to help me get back to my everyday life.
UofU Patient
August 19, 2015
Dr. William Spiker is an exceptional surgeon. I have my personality and life back. I'm grateful for the excellent care I've received from him and the team he works with.
UofU Patient
August 19, 2015
Dr. Spiker is unusually kind and thoughtful. He has a great demeanor and he takes time to explain the issues. This diagnosis is a life-changing event for me. I appreciate his careful and calming nature. I feel very fortunate that I've found him and I trust him.
UofU Patient
July 20, 2015
Both Dr. Spiker and the intern that was working with him were amazing, patient, caring and understanding. This meant a lot to me.
UofU Patient
July 01, 2015
Superb experience overall
UofU Patient
June 15, 2015
Dr Spiker is an excellent physician. I would recommend him to everyone.
UofU Patient
June 06, 2015
KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK.
UofU Patient
May 07, 2015
Dr. Spiker is wonderful. He truly seems concerned and interested in his patients.
UofU Patient
May 05, 2015
Dr Spiker has AMAZING bedside manner and was very kind and patient with my questions. The resident made me feel a bit stupid as to my presenting concern and seemed rushed. The nurse provided incorrect medical information which implies she did not know my case when providing me feedback. I would recommend Dr. Spiker to anyone with back problems. The other two medical professionals I would not.
UofU Patient
April 20, 2015
Doctor and nurse were well-prepared and knowledgable about my case. Review and recommendations were honest and insightful.
UofU Patient
April 18, 2015
appreciated Dr. Spiker and his Fellow
UofU Patient
March 04, 2015
When asked about my quick recovery, I tell everyone it is because I had such a great surgeon. Every experience I have had with my surgery and recovery was great. I have not complaints.
UofU Patient
January 06, 2015
Dr. Spiker is a wonderful doctor. He has an excellent bed side manner and an excellent support staff. I would recommend him and the surgery to anyone who asked. He changed my life.
UofU Patient
December 12, 2014
Providers at other institutions should be so good
UofU Patient
October 17, 2014
Dr. Striker was very informative and seems to be quite knowledgeable in his field of medicine.
UofU Patient
August 29, 2014
Reviewed the MRI which no previous doctor has ever done ..really appreciate being able to see and totally understand my back problems and the procedure which will be used to correct it.
UofU Patient
August 06, 2014
Dr. Spiker is so great! I could not ask for a better doctor. He cares, he shows concern and he always includes me in the decision process. He's a wonderful doctor!
UofU Patient
July 31, 2014
Dr. Spiker was thorough in exam, symptoms discussion, and realistic goals w surgery. time spent was excellent and I left w a comprehensive plan.
UofU Patient
June 23, 2014
Real down to earth. Amazing is all I can say
UofU Patient
June 04, 2014
good
UofU Patient
May 26, 2014
Dr. Spiker is amazing!
UofU Patient
May 19, 2014
Great people
UofU Patient
May 09, 2014
Great Doctor
UofU Patient
May 07, 2014
Dr. Spiker is a great doctor. He shows that he cares for his patients. I would recommend Dr. Spiker to anyone.
UofU Patient
May 04, 2014
the doctor made me feel like he understood all my issues and really spelled out what his recommendation was and why. He had no problem answering all of the questions that were asked of him.
UofU Patient
March 19, 2014
excellent
UofU Patient
February 10, 2014
I really like him. He is thoughtful, caring and up to date.
UofU Patient
February 03, 2014
This visit was to get a second opinion on a surgical procedure.
UofU Patient
January 27, 2014
Given the amount of pain I've been experiencing between the last time I saw him to my apt. on Fri. I feel my doctor could have informed me sooner on the results of my MRI. I emailed him a couple of times & didn't hear back. Once we met up at my apt. he really took the time to listen & answer all my questions.
UofU Patient
January 20, 2014
Dr. could not help with his problem. Suggested other kind of Dr. for his neck.
UofU Patient
January 12, 2014
showed pictures to explain the problem which made it very easy to understand.
UofU Patient
January 08, 2014
very good
UofU Patient
December 23, 2013
Dr. Spiker is awesome. He always answer my questions & I can tell he really wants to make sure I get better. Since some of my symptoms have come back I know he's doing his best to help me figure out what's goin on. I am great full to have him as my doctor!
UofU Patient
December 16, 2013
I love Dr. Spiker! He's on time, friendly, humble and shows genuine concern for the patient. He spends sufficient time with you and is always willing to answer any questions. He gets an A++++ from me!
UofU Patient
December 16, 2013
Dr. Spiker is a great doctor. He truly cares and takes his time to explain everything to me. I would recommend him to anyone.
UofU Patient
December 06, 2013
I have already recommended this and other U of Utah Orthopaedics providers to family and friends
UofU Patient
November 25, 2013
Dr. Spiker is awesome! And I hope he always maintains the level of care he currently gives. Everytime I've seen Dr. Spiker, he has shown concern and sensitivity. From the first appointment, I had complete confidence in him and his ability.
UofU Patient
November 25, 2013
Dr. Spiker and fellow were nice
UofU Patient
November 13, 2013
no bad experiences. Delighted with the providers and facility.
UofU Patient
November 12, 2013
I was afraid to come here as I have not had a good experience with surgeons in the past, but Dr. Spiker went above and beyond to help me and explain exactly what was happening to me. I am very grateful to have met him, I would most certainly recommend him to my friends and family for treatment. Thank you so much Dr. Spiker for your kindness and compassion you are by far the best doctor I have met.
UofU Patient
November 11, 2013
Great
UofU Patient
October 16, 2013
I found Dr. Anderson and Dr. Spiker top notch!
Dr. Spiker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah who specializes in the treatment of spinal disorders and traumatic orthopaedic injuries. He treats common spinal conditions of the neck and low back such as disk herniations, spinal stenosis, cervical myelopathy, cervical and lumbar deformities and shooting pains in the upper and lower extremities. Dr. Spiker believes in the thoughtful use of new technologies, including minimally invasive surgery and image-guided techniques.
Dr. Spiker’s research interests include the treatment of cervical spine disorders, spine imaging techniques and the genetics of common spinal conditions. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on these and other related topics.
Dr. Spiker studied Biochemistry and History and The University of California at Santa Barbara and earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Utah and a dual Orthopaedic Spine and Neurosurgical Spine Fellowship at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Academic Locations
University Orthopaedic Center
801-587-5450
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Assistant Professor Neurosurgery - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
| Board Certification | American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery |
Education History
| Postdoctoral Training | Rothman Institute at Jefferson University Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Spine Surgery Postdoctoral Training |
| Residency | University of Utah Orthopedic Surgery Resident |
| Professional Medical | University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine Medicine M.D. |
| Undergraduate | University of California at Santa Barbara Biochemistry and History B.S. |
Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Colman M, Pond J, Bachus K, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Brodke DS (2017). Fenestrated Screws Augmented With PMMA Increase the Pullout Strength of Sacral Pedicle Screws. Clin Spine Surg, 30(3), E252-E256.
- Abtahi AM, Lyman KS, Brodke DS, Lawrence BD, Zhang C, Spiker WR (2016). Patient Satisfaction is Not Associated With Self-reported Disability in a Spine Patient Population. (Epub ahead of print) Clin Spine Surg.
- Brodke DS, Goz V, Voss MW, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Man H (2016). PROMIS(R) PF CAT Outperforms the ODI and SF-36 Physical Function Domain in Spine Patients. (Epub ahead of print) Spine (Phila Pa 1976).
- Brodke DS, Goz V, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Neese A, Hung M (2016). Oswestry disability index: a psychometric analysis with 1610 patients.LID - S1529-9430(16)30998-6 [pii]LID - 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.09.020 [doi]. (Epub ahead of print) Spine J.
- Colman M, Pond J, Bachus K, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Brodke DS (2016). Fenestrated Screws Augmented with PMMA Increase the Pull-out Strength of Sacral Pedicle Screws.LID - 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000228 [doi]. (Epub ahead of print) Clin Spine Surg.
- Hu Y, Yuan ZS, Spiker WR, Dong WX, Sun XY, Yuan JB, Zhang J, Zhu B (2016). A comparative study on the accuracy of pedicle screw placement assisted by personalized rapid prototyping template between pre- and post-operation in patients with relatively normal mid-upper thoracic spine. (Epub ahead of print) Eur Spine J.
- Haller JM, Calvert G, Spiker WR, Brodke DS, Lawrence BD (2015). Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after Revision Lumbar Spine Surgery. Global Spine J, 5(6), 535-7.
- Colman MW, Guss A, Bachus KN, Spiker WR, Lawrence BD, Brodke DS (2015). Fixed-Angle, Posteriorly-Connected Anterior Cage Reconstruction Improves Stiffness and Decreases Cancellous Subsidence in A Spondylectomy Model. (Epub ahead of print) Spine (Phila Pa 1976).
- Elliott IS, Spiker WR, Caputo AM, Darden BV (2015). Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Versus Cervical Disk Arthroplasty. Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques, 28(9), 309-12.
- Elliot I, Spiker WR (2015). Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion versus Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Which should be standard of care? (ahead of print). Seminars in Spine Surgery.
- Gaffney C, Spiker WR (2015). Painless weakness from lumbar disc herniation: Recommended management and outcomes. (ahead of print). Seminars in Spine Surgery.
- Goz V, Rane A, Abtahi AM, Lawrence BD, Brodke DS, Spiker WR (2015). Geographic Variations in the Cost of Spine Surgery. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 40(17), 1380-9.
- Abtahi AM, Brodke DS, Lawrence BD, Zhang C, Spiker WR (2015). Association between patient-reported measures of psychological distress and patient satisfaction scores after spine surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 97(10), 824-8.
- Annis P, Brodke DS, Spiker WR, Daubs MD, Lawrence BD (2015). The Fate of L5-S1 With Low-Dose BMP-2 and Pelvic Fixation, With or Without Interbody Fusion, in Adult Deformity Surgery. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 40(11), E634-9.
- Hu Y, Dong WX, Spiker WR, Yuan ZS, Sun XY, Zhang J, Xie H, Albert TJ (2015). Optimal Entry Point and Trajectory for Anterior C1 Lateral Mass Screw. (Epub ahead of print) J Spinal Disord Tech.
- Hung M, Stuart A, Cheng C, Hon SD, Spiker WR, Lawrence B, Neese A, Brodke DS (2015). Predicting the DRAM mZDI Using the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression. Spine, 40(3), 179-83.
- Hu Y, Dong WX, Spiker WR, Yuan ZS, Sun XY, Zhang J, Xie H, Albert TJ (2015). An anatomic study to determine the optimal entry point, medial angles, and effective length for safe fixation using posterior C1 lateral mass screws. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 40(4), E191-8.
- Lawrence BD, Patel AA, Guss A, Spiker WR, Brodke DS (2014). Malaligned dynamic anterior cervical plate: a biomechanical analysis of effectiveness. Spine, 39(25), 2057-61.
- Annis P, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Zhang Y, Chen W, Daubs MD, Brodke DS (2014). Predictive factors for acute proximal junctional failure after adult deformity surgery with upper instrumented vertebrae in the thoracolumbar spine. Evid Based Spine Care J, 5(2), 160-2.
- Hu Y, Yuan ZS, Spiker WR, Albert TJ, Dong WX, Xie H, Yuan JB, Wang CT (2013). Deviation analysis of C2 translaminar screw placement assisted by a novel rapid prototyping drill template: a cadaveric study. Eur Spine J, 22(12), 2770-6.
- Spiker WR, Lawrence BD, Raich AL, Skelly AC, Brodke DS (2012). Surgical versus injection treatment for injection-confirmed chronic sacroiliac joint pain. Evid Based Spine Care J, 3(4), 41-53.
- Patel AA, Spiker WR, Daubs M, Brodke DS, Cannon-Albright LA (2012). Evidence of an inherited predisposition for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 37(1), 26-9.
Book Chapter
- Spiker WR (2016). Wound VAC Management for Spinal and Bone Graft Wound Infections. In Vaccaro AR, Albert TJ (Eds.), Spine Surgery: Tricks of the Trade (3rd, Chapter 112, pp. 419-21). New York: Thieme.
- Spiker WR (2016). Techniques for Minimizing Radiation Exposure during Fluorscopy Procedures. In Vaccaro AR, Albert TJ (Eds.), Spine Surgery: Tricks of the Trade (3rd, Chapter 76, pp. 288-91). New York: Thieme.
- Goz V, Spiker WR (2015). Management of Spinal Data. In Benzel (Ed.), Spine Surgery (4th).
- Goz V, Spiker WR (2015). Lumbar Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis. In Orthopaedic Surgery Essentials, Spine.