
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.
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Associate Professor Neurosurgery - Adjunct Assistant Professor |
Board Certification | American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
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's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 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
March 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker and his crew of doctors (or interns) are top notch and ready to answer any questions you may have. They are all very professional and I have never felt rushed or pushed for time.
UofU Patient
March 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiked seemed rushed. Did not take time to discuss. His resident assistant was excellent.
UofU Patient
March 10, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Moved at a speed that I could follow, very patient about answering my questions, was respectful and thoughtful and was never condescending.
UofU Patient
March 08, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
He is a very good Dr looks you in the face to talk to you answers all your question as well as he can wonderful Dr.
UofU Patient
March 05, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
We was missing information in my charts care from previous doctors and ot was very timely before I was contacted I thought I was forgot about was surprised when I finally got a call.
UofU Patient
February 17, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dorian was great. He's always Great. He answered all of my questions & made sure I understood. Dr. Spiker is ways kind and has patience for questions. Stephanie, Dorian & Judy plus Dr. Spiker deserve acknowledgement for there great Bedside Manner. Stephanie who fields questions on the phone deserves acknowledgement too. Thank You
UofU Patient
February 03, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I felt that Dr. Spiker listened to my concerns and took appropriate measures for my overall treatment.
UofU Patient
January 08, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Spriker is one of the only DR. s I trust
UofU Patient
January 06, 2022
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Myself and two family members said they love and trust Dr. Spiker.He took time to make sure I understood everything. Very good reassurance and comforting in a wayThe other two people involved were also good at what they do. I had a very good experience.
UofU Patient
December 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The instruction and preparation for surgery was amazing. The information that was provided helped ease a lot of my concerns and eased a lot of my anxiety.
UofU Patient
December 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
We reviewed current vs previous xrays as well as treatment options.
UofU Patient
December 09, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Concise and thorough.
UofU Patient
December 09, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker was thorough, took time to answer all my questions, and conveyed a level of care that is remarkable. I feel very comfortable with him.
UofU Patient
November 25, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The team knew my case and was very prompt in addressing my questions and concerns.
UofU Patient
November 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Spiker is very knowledgeable and comforting during exam. He tries to (let me down easy) when the outlook is not good.
UofU Patient
November 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent care and empathy
UofU Patient
November 11, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
So thorough and caring - I was honestly surprised how cared for and heard I felt.
UofU Patient
November 08, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Great staff and fabulous physician
UofU Patient
October 19, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Spiker was very good about explaining what was wrong and my options.
UofU Patient
October 05, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
All good
UofU Patient
October 03, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
New doctor. KIND, PATIENT INFORMED
UofU Patient
August 22, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
I was told one year ago I needed to see a surgeon. I've seen him 3 times the during the year, wait time between appointments is months. Fast forward a year and he tells me I'm not a surgery candidate and that I need to see a physiatrist, whom I've seen. I essentially wasted a full year of my life while my condition worsens. Very frustrated.
UofU Patient
August 05, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Both Dorian PA and Dr. Spiker were very assuring.
UofU Patient
July 24, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Spiker has a wonderful bedside manner. He answered all of our questions and made us feel important. The previous doctor we saw spent maybe 5 minutes with us, Dr Spiker spent a good amount of time with us and made sure we understood everything about my daughters kyphosis.
UofU Patient
July 15, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker is always very professional and attentive to my needs, as is the resident. There were many patients waiting to be seen but the doctor spent as much time with me as needed.
UofU Patient
July 15, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The professionalism of this clinic was very very good.
UofU Patient
July 04, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I need more information
UofU Patient
July 02, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker and his team were thorough, knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, and excellent in every respect.
UofU Patient
June 22, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr William Spiker and RN Michella Byl are the best!! I highly recommend going to this team if someone has back problems.
UofU Patient
June 18, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker gave me the positives & negatives of surgery & suggested trying Physical Therapy to possibly relieve pain & or help strengthen my back for surgery
UofU Patient
June 13, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
very good
UofU Patient
June 11, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker was well informed and made sure that I understood what I need to do and how I am doing. I would highly recommend him.
UofU Patient
May 28, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Incredible patient treatment. Could not be better.
UofU Patient
May 21, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
staff and doctors very responsive and explained everything thoroughly.
UofU Patient
May 14, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker was very thorough in his explanations, making sure that I understood the pros and cons of things. He was also very kind and respectful and put me at ease. I feel like I understand the surgical procedure quite well now and can make an informed choice.
UofU Patient
May 03, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I trust Dr. Spiker.
UofU Patient
April 18, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Spiker was very courteous, professional and engaging reference my issue and how to address it. He was very thorough and as he explained my back problem, showed me my trays and MRI was he explained it. a Phenomenal health care provider.
UofU Patient
March 12, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I talked to 3 orthopedic surgeons in Las Vegas and they all said that I should just take pain pills! Dr. Spiker said that he could make a big difference with my surgery. I have been pain free for the first time in 15 years.
UofU Patient
March 07, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
great
UofU Patient
February 28, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
We have a plan
UofU Patient
February 13, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
no visit in person had virtural phone appt.
UofU Patient
February 10, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
I learned a lot! they were so good at explaining the problem and anatomy of it.
UofU Patient
February 08, 2021
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
smooth sailin
UofU Patient
January 29, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
he and his associates were so professional and so kind to me I love of this hospital and the care I received there!
UofU Patient
January 29, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Spiker is so so great! Couldn't have asked for a better surgeon.
UofU Patient
January 17, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
good
UofU Patient
January 11, 2021
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker clearly explained my condition using the MRI to show me my problem and how he could repair it. He listened to my questions and gave me thoughtful answers including risks and benefits.
UofU Patient
December 25, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
dr Spiker is not only a skilled surgeon but a caring and understanding physician.
UofU Patient
December 20, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Great!
UofU Patient
December 20, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr Spiker and his team are great and very caring
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.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Orthopaedics
-
Associate 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, 2013 |
Residency | University of Utah Orthopedic Surgery Resident, 2012 |
Professional Medical | University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine Medicine M.D., 2007 |
Undergraduate | University of California at Santa Barbara Biochemistry and History B.S., 2003 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Hendrickson NR, Zhang Y, Amoafo L, Randell Z, Rasmussen M, Zeidan M, Shorten P, Brodke DS, Spina N, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR (2022). Risk Factors for Postoperative Ileus in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery. Global Spine J, 21925682221075056.
- Mordhorst TR, Jalali A, Nelson R, Brodke DS, Spina N, Spiker WR (2021). Cost analysis of primary single-level lumbar discectomies using the Value Driven Outcomes database in a large academic center. Spine J, 21(8), 1309-1317.
- Owen RJ, Quinlan N, Poduska A, Spiker WR, Spina NT, Brodke DS, Lawrence BD (2021). Preoperative Fluoroscopically Guided Regional Erector Spinae Plane Blocks Reduce Opioid Use, Increase Mobilization, and Reduce Length of Stay Following Lumbar Spine Fusion. Global Spine J, 21925682211010740.
- Zeidan M, Goz V, Lakomkin N, Spina N, Brodke DS, Spiker WR (2020). Predictors of Readmission and Prolonged Length of Stay After Cervical Disc Arthroplasty. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 46(8), 487-491.
- Shaw JD, McEntarfer R, Ferrel J, Greene N, Presson AP, Zhang C, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Spina N, Brodke DS (2020). What Does Your PROMIS Score Mean? Improving the Utility of Patient-Reported Outcomes at the Point of Care. Global Spine J, 2192568220958670.
- Tobert DG, Davis BJ, Annis P, Spiker WR, Lawrence BD, Brodke DS, Spina N (2020). The impact of the lordosis distribution index on failure after surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity. Spine J, 20(8), 1261-1266.
- Goz V, Martin BI, Donnally CJ 3rd, Brodke D, Spina N, Lawrence B, Spiker WR (2020). Potential Selection Bias in Observational Studies Comparing Cervical Disc Arthroplasty to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 45(14), 960-967.
- Chavez JL, Porucznik CA, Gren LH, Guan J, Joyce E, Brodke DS, Dailey AT, Mahan MA, Hood RS, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Spina NT, Bisson EF (2020). The Impact of Preoperative Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Postoperative Outcomes in Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disease: 3-Month and 12-Month Results of a Pilot Study. World Neurosurg, 139, e230-e236.
- Mordhorst TR, McCormick ZL, Presson AP, Collier WH, Spiker WR (2019). Examining the relationship between epidural steroid injections and patient satisfaction. Spine J, 20(2), 207-212.
- Spina N, Schoutens C, Martin BI, Brodke DS, Lawrence B, Spiker WR (2019). Defining Instability in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Surgeon Views. Clin Spine Surg, 32(10), E434-E439.
- Goz V, Spiker WR, Brodke D (2019). Mobile messaging and smartphone apps for patient communication and engagement in spine surgery. Ann Transl Med, 7(Suppl 5), S163.
- Goz V, Spiker WR, Lawrence B, Brodke D, Spina N (2019). Odontoid Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review. JBJS Rev, 7(8), e1.
- Hung M, Saltzman CL, Voss MW, Bounsanga J, Kendall R, Spiker R, Lawrence B, Brodke D (2018). Responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) instruments in patients with spinal disorders. Spine J, 19(1), 34-40.
- Hung M, Saltzman CL, Kendall R, Bounsanga J, Voss MW, Lawrence B, Spiker R, Brodke D (2018). What Are the MCIDs for PROMIS, NDI, and ODI Instruments Among Patients With Spinal Conditions? Clin Orthop Relat Res, 476(10), 2027-2036.
- Kendall R, Wagner B, Brodke D, Bounsanga J, Voss M, Gu Y, Spiker R, Lawrence B, Hung M (2017). The Relationship of PROMIS Pain Interference and Physical Function Scales. Pain Med, 19(9), 1720-1724.
- Lakomkin N, Goz V, Cheng JS, Brodke DS, Spiker WR (2017). The utility of preoperative laboratories in predicting postoperative complications following posterolateral lumbar fusion. Spine J, 18(6), 993-997.
- Abtahi AM, Lyman KS, Brodke DS, Lawrence BD, Zhang C, Spiker WR (2017). Patient Satisfaction is Not Associated With Self-reported Disability in a Spine Patient Population. Clin Spine Surg, 30(8), E1165-E1168.
- Brodke DS, Goz V, Voss MW, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Hung M (2017). PROMIS PF CAT Outperforms the ODI and SF-36 Physical Function Domain in Spine Patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 42(12), 921-929.
- 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.
- Brodke DS, Goz V, Lawrence BD, Spiker WR, Neese A, Hung M (2017). Oswestry Disability Index: a psychometric analysis with 1,610 patients. Spine J, 17(3), 321-327.
- 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. Eur Spine J, 25(6), 1706-15.
- Colman MW, Guss A, Bachus KN, Spiker WR, Lawrence BD, Brodke DS (2016). Fixed-Angle, Posteriorly Connected Anterior Cage Reconstruction Improves Stiffness and Decreases Cancellous Subsidence in a Spondylectomy Model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 41(9), E519-23.
- Elliott IS, Spiker WR, Caputo AM, Darden BV (2015). Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Versus Cervical Disk Arthroplasty. J Spinal Disord Tech, 28(9), 309-12.
- Gaffney C, Spiker WR (2015). Painless weakness from lumbar disc herniation: Recommended management and outcomes. (ahead of print). Semin Spine Surg.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hung M, Stuart A, Cheng C, Hon SD, Spiker R, Lawrence B, Neese A, Brodke DS (2015). Predicting the DRAM mZDI using the PROMIS anxiety and depression. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 40(3), 179-83.
- Lawrence BD, Patel AA, Guss A, Ryan Spiker W, Brodke DS (2014). Malaligned dynamic anterior cervical plate: a biomechanical analysis of effectiveness. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 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.
- Patel AA, Spiker WR, Daubs MD, Brodke DS, Cheng I, Glasgow RE (2008). Retroperitoneal lymphocele after anterior spinal surgery. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 33(18), E648-52.
Book Chapter
- 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.
- 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.
- Goz V, Spiker WR (2015). Lumbar Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis. In Orthopaedic Surgery Essentials, Spine.
- Goz V, Spiker WR (2015). Management of Spinal Data. In Benzel (Ed.), Spine Surgery (4th).
Case Report
News Articles
The Scope & Other Podcasts
- High Grade Spondylolisthesis What, Where and Why Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms
- What's Causing the Shooting Pain in My Leg?
- What is Spinal Stenosis and Do I Have It?
- Lower Back Injuries
- Back Spasm
- Ask an Expert Neck Pain at Desk
- Ask an Expert Spine Surgery
- Ask an Expert Workout Program Back Pain
- Ask an Expert Back Pain Emergency
- Physician Profile: Ryan Spiker