Stephen Ritter

Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Stephen Ritter focuses on both the surgical and nonsurgical care of spine conditions. He is a leading expert in modern back surgery approaches that prioritize improving outcomes with less pain and collateral damage.

Outside of the office, Dr. Ritter helps educate orthopedic fellows and industry professionals about spine surgery. He has served as a spine surgery consultant for the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL Combine for over a decade. Born and raised in Iowa, Dr. Ritter played NCAA soccer throughout college. These days, he spends his leisure time with family and friends, maintaining fitness and traveling when possible.

Areas of Focus

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Education

Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, MD
University of Utah, Salt Lake City – Internship and Residency
Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Spine Surgery Fellowship

Positions

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
APSS
Indianapolis Colts, Spine Surgery Consultant, 2009-present
NFL Spine Surgery Consultant, 2009-present
North American Spine Society
Society of Lateral Access Surgery

“When you come in, we’re going to treat you with dignity, l listen to your problems, and importantly, deliver a diagnosis. We’re committed to working through the process to give you an individualized treatment plan that has the highest chance for success.”

Stephen Ritter, MD

patient Success Stories

Shawn

Neck Patient

Neck pain was interfering with Shawn's woodworking hobby, sleep and career. He and his wife also had a baby on the way, and he wanted to feel his best once she arrived.

Shawn visited with Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Stephen Ritter who performed surgery to correct two discs in Shawn's neck. Immediately after surgery, the pain in his neck was gone.

Today, Shawn is back to living pain-free and enjoys spending time with his family.

Tambi Smith

Spine Patient

After Tambi Smith had experienced lingering back pain for several years, she met with Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Stephen Ritter for an evaluation. Dr. Ritter provided a quick diagnosis and performed surgery for Tambi, giving her much-needed pain relief. Today, Tambi is able to get back to enjoying everyday activities.

In the News

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Dr. Stephen Ritter Debuts Guidance Technology for Less Invasive Spine Surgeries

Oct. 24, 2023

Dr. Stephen Ritter debuted Stryker's Q Guidance System for spine patients in Indiana. The Q Guidience System produces real-time, 3D models of a patient’s spine, allowing him to operate through […]

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Dr. Stephen Ritter debuts Stryker Q guidance in Indiana

Aug. 01, 2023

"Spinal surgeries performed using Stryker’s technology have the potential to be safer, faster and less invasive than other procedures,".......

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Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is the First in Indiana to Use New Technology for Spine Surgery

Jul. 29, 2023

Dr. Stephen Ritter utilizes Stryker’s Q Guidance System with Spine Guidance Software for safer, faster, less invasive spine care CARMEL, Ind. – Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a Carmel-based, physician-owned […]

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Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics combines advanced surgical techniques and non-surgical treatments to provide patients with a return to active living.

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Stephen Ritter

Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

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