Photography by Grant Reid
Although most doctors only treat their patients, Dr. Randall F. Dryer of the Central Texas Spine Institute has the ability to not only treat his patients, but also advance his medical field at the same time.
Using some of the latest spine treatment technology, Dryer is pushing the boundaries of his field. And he’s getting some excellent results.
“Things that weren’t even realistically imagined 20 years ago, we do frequently now,” Dryer said.
Techniques such as artificial disc replacements are now representative of the procedures that can only be preformed by skilled doctors using some of the latest technology.
The Central Texas Spine Institute is currently enrolling patients for two clinical trials: the implementation of the eXtreme Lateral Total Disc Replacement and the Freedom Lumbar Disc.
“That’s one of the more important things that we emphasize,” Dryer said of the clinical trials.
All of the trials Dryer enrolls patients in are government approved and carefully monitored by the FDA. These studies all require Dryer to follow patients for five or six years after surgery.
According to Dryer, the trials give him the chance to work with technology so advanced that only a few other doctors in the country have access to it. Although some techniques have worked better than others, Dryer continues to look for the most effective treatments for spinal conditions.
“As always,” Dryer said, “the aim is to improve our patient’s life.”
The trials also help Dryer constantly learn new things.
“It keeps me totally interested in what I’m doing,” Dryer said. “It charges me up to think of the next best thing.”
The technology and skill set Dryer uses also allow him to sometimes avoid major surgeries in favor of minimally invasive efforts. At the same time, patients who are told they cannot be treated sometimes find new hope at the Central Texas Spine Institute.
Dryer’s career had a very different start. After growing up in Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa and quickly found himself in the spine field.
“I wanted to do something that wasn’t popular at the time,” Dryer said. “And that was actually spine surgery.”
After he completed medical school and his residency at Iowa, Dryer made his way down to San Antonio as a member of the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. Dryer speaks highly of his experience in the Air Force, and he said his time in San Antonio helped him acclimate to Texas culture, as well.
By 1988, Dryer finished his service and moved to Austin to practice with Dr. William P. Taylor. During the 1990s, the clinic expanded and molded into what is now the Central Spine Institute. Even Dryer is a little surprised by how far he and his specialty have come since his days in Iowa.
“If you would have told me when I finished training that I would be doing disc replacement, I would have laughed,” Dryer said.
While the Central Texas Spine Institute has received praise from its peers, Dryer has also received particular attention for his work in the field. Most recently, Becker Orthopedic & Spine Review named him one of the top 100 spinal surgeons in the United States. This designation is based upon his publication of more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and several patents on spinal implants.
But don’t think for a second that Dryer has let that honor slow him down.
“Well, I think that we all strive to do our best,” Dryer said. “If we are able to do that and able to receive accolades, it’s quite gratifying. But it shouldn’t stop us from continuing to strive to get better.”
Both in the operating room and in the office, Dryer strives to improve his work every day. His rapport with patients has had people posting their praises on the Central Texas Spine Institute’s Facebook page.
In addition to following up frequently with patients after the surgery, Dryer makes sure his patients are fully informed on all options related to their spine treatments.
“The day of the all-knowing physician or surgeon has passed,” Dryer said. “Our job now is to educate the patients.”
After almost 30 years helping patients with spinal problems, Dryer still operates a life of his own. He remains close to his four children and wife, and he is a prominent member of the tennis community. Dryer’s love for tennis, he said, has even brought him the opportunity to operate on many professional tennis players.
With respect from their patients and peers, Dryer and the Central Texas Spine Institute remain at the forefront of innovation and success in the field of spine surgery. If you have a spine problem, look no further than Dryer’s steady hands and warm smile.
For more information about the Central Texas Spine Institute and services Dr. Randall Dryer offers, visit www.spine-ctsi.com. You may also “like” us on Facebook or call our office at 512-795-2225 to receive updates.
