Tyler G. Smith, MD
The Founder of the Sierra Spine Institute, Dr. Tyler Smith is a Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. He focuses his practice exclusively on evaluating and treating conditions of the spine in adults and adolescents.
“I believe we have a clear obligation to provide patients with as much information about their care as we can. Informed patients simply make better decisions about treatment options and enjoy better outcomes,” he said. “I also have a healthy respect for surgery and am of the opinion that it should be avoided if possible.”
“However,” he continued, “if your condition requires an operation, it should be done in a way that preserves uninvolved tissue as much as possible – i.e., minimally invasive.”
Education
- Undergraduate – University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Medical School – University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV
Surgical Training
- Spine Surgery Fellowship – Stanford University Combined Program, Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Stanford, CA and St. Mary’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA
- Orthopedic Surgery Residency – The Ohio State University Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbus OH
Professional Affiliations
- Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- North American Spine Society
- Society of Lateral Access Surgery
- International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
- California Orthopedic Society
- Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
Hospital Affiliations
- Sutter Roseville Medical Center
- West Coast Joint and Spine Center
- Sutter Surgical Hospital North Valley
What Dr. Smith’s Patients Say
Dr Tyler Smith, Brian and their team has not only taken good care of me once but twice. I am better then I’ve ever been since the first surgery. Thank you so much.
sweetjanette R
17:34 26 May 22
What can I say my experience has been exceptional. From the front desk, Carol who handles the patients and her job amazingly, to Dr. Brian and Dr. Smith they are great doctors very smart, straight forward, and professional. They give their time to the patients and explain things well. I had back surgery with Dr. Smith who is a amazing surgeon. I have to say thank you to Braidy, who has truly helped me with any paperwork I had trouble with. She was always on top of it, and got back to me promptly every time with answers. Even the surgery center they operate out of has the best staff and nurses. They are so good! I had a rough time out of anesthesia, and the nurses I had where truly exceptional. I highly recommend Dr. Smith and their entire practice.
Jennifer P.
16:07 21 Apr 22
Not only would I recommend Dr. Smith, I already did! He is just great. He explains everything in terms I understood.
May S.
18:18 23 Feb 22
I was extremely happy with Dr. Tyler Smiths wisdom in proceeding with caution; recommending minimal invasive surgery; & the excellent results & after care from the surgery! I felt such immediate pain relief & was thrilled to be out of excruciating pain! I can’t even put into words how thankful I am for his excellent skills & wisdom!! Thankyou beyond words!
Renee K.
22:55 25 Nov 21
Dr. Tyler Smith is an excellent surgeon, I fully trust his opinion and judgement regarding the issue i was having in my neck. Surgery was completed and healing quit well. Dr. Smith and staff cares about their patients , and their follow up on line services, proves this fact.Thank you Dr. Smith!Kind regards,Frank
Frank H.
15:12 04 Nov 21
Dr. Smith was very straight forward when discussing the issues with my cervical and thoracic spine. No stories about how everything will be perfect when he was done. Following 3 MRI's, it was determined cervical disk replacement was the least invasive corrective action. My surgery went well and my relief was nearly instantaneous. I experienced minimal pain. Prior to surgery, my good days were a 4 out of 10 on a pain scale. During recovery, I'm a 2 out of 10 and getting better every day. Dr. Smith's approach was surgery is not always the answer. I was appropriate for part of my spinal problem and not for the other issue. Dr. Smith was more concerned about what was best for me, than what was best for his business. Can't ask for more.
Sheldon S.
17:22 14 Oct 21
Dr Tyler Smith and PA Brian Zerlaut are an outstanding team. I have had chronic lower back pain for years and then recently this changed to numbness and tingling in both legs. An MRI Dr Smith ordered verified that I had a cyst between L4 L5. He and Brian performed the surgery with a tiny incision and when I awoke in recovery it was like a miracle. No pain and no numbness or tingling. After my overnight stay on the hospital I was discharged. No pain meds needed at all. Wow what a great experience from these two brilliant practitioners. I could not be happier!!
Bill H.
14:36 15 Jun 21
I have had many surgeries in my 63 years on this planet. and I would have to say this is the most professional surgical experience I have ever had. Dr. Smith, and PA Brian, and the rest of the crew at Sierra Spine Institute have been more than gracious and helpful tending to all my pre and post surgical needs and questions. I recommend Sierra Spine Institute to anyone who has been searching for help with neck and spine pain, search no more!
Robert C.
15:49 20 May 21
This guy is the best! He operated on three of my friends before my procedure and they were all extremely satisfied and highly recommended him. Even though I am on the board of a competing hospital, I chose to go to Dr. Smith.
Tom C.
17:38 07 May 21
Dr. Tyler Smith and staff are superb. Attentive to every detail. They care about each patient individually and are in regular contact to follow your progress. There are always people there to answer your question, no matter how big or small.
Dottie C.
04:21 09 Apr 21
Dr. Tyler Smith and all his staff are excellent. They have been attentive and are quick to resolve any issues or quell concerns. I came into his office due to a car accident with multiple back injuries scared to death about having surgery. Dr. Tyler explained everything simply, made me feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to help me. All the nurses and PAs are so kind and knowledgeable as well that it has been a very good experience so far.
Meag M.
18:34 25 Feb 21
Dr. Smith, Brian and their entire staff have been wonderful throughout my entire surgical procedure. Their communication and bedside manner is beyond my expectations. I have been especially appreciative with the GetWell Loop patient portal for my post surgery communication; as it allows them to stay in touch with me and for me to have a direct communication with them if I had any questions or concerns. I highly recommend Dr. Smith and his team for your back surgery needs!!
Jill E.
19:33 07 Jan 21
I had what Dr. Smith described as "the worst blowout he has seen". A herniated L4-5 caused me to have numbness in my left foot and lower leg and the pain running down both legs prevented me from walking without the use of crutches. The office was able to schedule me before I was scheduled to travel outside the country (whew!). Immediately after surgery I regained some of my mobility I had lost. Over the next couple months the numbness went away and I estimate my recovery at ~ 80%.The initial consultation with Brian and Dr. Smith, the selection of surgery sites and the anesthesiologist, the procedure, and the post surgery appointments all went as best as could be expected. Billing was kept to one payment with my insurance. Overall, a five star experience.
Lou D.
00:08 07 Jan 21
This is my second surgery with Dr. Smith and would not trade him or his office staff for anything in the world five stars is really not enough stars.
Romonica K.
19:23 31 Dec 20
Professional, caring, Dr. Tyler Smith, and well informed in his field. Compassionate and innovative.
Debra S.
16:31 08 Jul 20
I have had the best experience with Sierra Spine Institute Dr. Tyler Smith and P.A.Brian Zerlaut. I just had back surgery last month and both gentleman have been amazing. From my first consultation to after care they have been amazing! They have been there for all the support I have needed along the way. They are so very personable and have made this process a great one. I highly recommend this facility to anyone suffering from back issues. You will definitely not be disappointed! Thank you Sierra Spine Institute you have gone above and beyond for me and I am forever grateful!
Stacy B.
15:33 25 Jun 20
Dr. Smith is a EXCELLENT SURGEON!!Prior to back surgery his consultation was right on 'T' everything he said about surgery from start to finish was exact its been 3or4 years since surgery and I couldn't be happier.If surgery is calling you,CALL DR.SMITH!!!!
Ted T.
17:35 25 Jan 19
Dr. Tyler Smith gave me my life back! Exercise has always been my passion and a very active life style. When I was literally unable to walk without being in severe pain and had to walk hunched over, unable to stand without pain, unable to do simple movements, I had no choice but to go forward with microdiscectomy surgery. They told me I would still have some pain after surgery, that it takes time for the nerve to regenerate, which it did. After the three week mark it began to get better and better. Today was my post-op and I am pain free, back to my exercise and usual life style. I am so grateful for what Dr. Smith has done for me and his entire staff is wonderful, compassionate and very professional. I know of another person that had a successful surgery with Dr. Smith as well. I highly recommend Dr. Smith!
Donna K.
05:44 12 Jul 18
