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.
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
4.7/ 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
4.3/ 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
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
UofU Patient
December 18, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
especially appreciated the caution of not getting too eager to increased physical activity
UofU Patient
December 12, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
awesome
UofU Patient
December 12, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
it was an excellent Experience working with Dr. Spiker and his staff.
UofU Patient
December 11, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
good
UofU Patient
November 27, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The care team, from front office to the doctor was excellent. the doctor was very patient with answering questions and explaining care I needed to do at home.
UofU Patient
November 25, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
injections went well but I must have been a reaction to it my middle finger on my left hand burning and went red latter formed a Blister on it Strange I never had a reaction like that before !!.....
UofU Patient
November 24, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Since I had my xrays done before the appointment, the doctor and his PA were able to see the results of my surgery, discuss my progress and I was able to ask questions and voice my concerns.
UofU Patient
November 22, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
discussed surgery and general risks. I was referred because I have exhausted other options
UofU Patient
November 08, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Difficult to truly relate with phone call. I understand Dr. Spiker's suggestion that we have an in person consultation before any surgery.
UofU Patient
November 06, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
job very well done
UofU Patient
November 01, 2020
SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Spiker was good at listening and answering question. His nurse, Marsella was also very good in answering questions and concerns.
UofU Patient
November 01, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I live in Pocatello Idaho and I'm constantly recommending Dr Spiker to family, friends and even customers where I work.
UofU Patient
October 05, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I would definitely recommend this provider.
UofU Patient
October 03, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Dr. Spiker explained everything after seeing my last 2 MRI'S and we decided on surgery.
UofU Patient
September 29, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
i love dr William spiker
UofU Patient
September 28, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
the doctor expected everything that he was going to do and what what it was going to be after surgery and how too take care of it
UofU Patient
September 25, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
I will have some questions about anesthesia, when that is scheduled.
UofU Patient
September 10, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
good
UofU Patient
September 10, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
This was one of the best experiences with Dr. Spiker and Jeremy (I believe that was his name). They both gave great explanations of my issue and recommended things I can do to help ease my lower back pain.
UofU Patient
September 05, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Excellent care and concern.
UofU Patient
September 01, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
Just felt uncertain about the solution to the medical issue and to the pain i'd been experiencing
UofU Patient
August 24, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
It's too soon to judge about recommending the care provider. He was very nice and nothing wrong with him or his staff, but can't judge after just one visit. I do feel I didn't really express myself well enough so have a virtual appt set up to go over things before proceeding to surgery.
UofU Patient
August 15, 2020
ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER
The whole visit left something to be desired. The information on the chart was incomplete.
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
University Orthopaedic Center
801-587-5450
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
- 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 Journal, 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, 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 Journal, 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, 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, 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, 41(9), E519-23.
- 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.
- 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 37(1), 26-9.
- Patel AA, Spiker WR, Daubs MD, Brodke DS, Cheng I, Glasgow RE (2008). Retroperitoneal lymphocele after anterior spinal surgery. Spine, 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
- What's Causing the Shooting Pain in My Leg?
- What is Spinal Stenosis and Do I Have It?
- That Pain in Your Arm Might Actually Be A Problem in Your Back
- 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