Dr. Ryan Siller, MD

Dr. Ryan Siller Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Ryan Siller is an orthopedic surgeon providing medical and surgical care for injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

His clinical background includes orthopedic sports medicine, joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, fracture care, and minimally invasive orthopedic procedures. Patients may visit him for knee pain, hip arthritis, shoulder injuries, sports-related conditions, broken bones, tendon problems, or reduced movement that has not improved with basic treatment.

Dr. Siller practises with the Orthopedic Clinic of Galveston County in Texas City, Texas. His care includes conservative treatment when appropriate, followed by surgical evaluation when an injury or advanced joint condition is unlikely to improve sufficiently without an operation.

He works alongside his father, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Terry Siller, continuing a family practice serving communities throughout Galveston County.

Patients whose pain may arise from the spine or nerves rather than a joint may also read about Dr. Lan Nguyen’s physical medicine and rehabilitation care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Ryan Lawrence Siller, MD
Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery
Additional Clinical Focus: Orthopedic sports medicine
Certification Status: HCA currently lists orthopedic surgery board certification, while the practice website describes him as board eligible
Undergraduate Education: University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Biology, magna cum laude
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Orthopedic Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch
Residency Completed: 2023
Fellowship: Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
Fellowship Completed: 2024
Practice: Orthopedic Clinic of Galveston County Associates
Primary Location: Texas City, Texas
Hospital Affiliations: HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
Languages Listed: English
NPI Number: 1881186690
Accepting New Patients: Yes, according to current hospital profiles

About Dr. Ryan Siller

Dr. Siller completed his undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in biology.

He then attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for his medical education.

After medical school, Dr. Siller completed orthopedic surgery residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Orthopedic residency includes extensive education in traumatic injuries, joint disease, sports injuries, fracture treatment, surgical reconstruction, and postoperative rehabilitation.

He continued his training through an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. During this fellowship, he participated in orthopedic care for the Houston SaberCats professional rugby team.

Sports medicine fellowship training focuses on injuries involving joints, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. It also includes arthroscopic surgery, return-to-activity planning, injury prevention, and treatment for active patients of different ages.

Dr. Siller’s practice highlights shared decision-making. This means patients are encouraged to understand the diagnosis, compare available treatments, and consider how each option may affect comfort, movement, recovery, work, and long-term joint function.

Orthopedic Conditions Evaluated

Dr. Siller may evaluate and manage concerns involving:

• Knee pain and injuries
• Hip pain and arthritis
• Shoulder pain and instability
• Sports-related injuries
• Ligament tears
• Meniscus injuries
• Tendon injuries
• Rotator cuff conditions
• Joint stiffness
• Fractures
• Hand and wrist conditions
• Elbow injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Joint degeneration
• Reduced mobility after injury
• Pain that continues despite conservative treatment

The correct treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity, examination findings, imaging, physical demands, age, medical history, and personal goals.

Not every orthopedic appointment leads to surgery. Many injuries improve with temporary activity changes, medicine, injections, bracing, or physical therapy.

Orthopedic Examination

An orthopedic examination helps Dr. Siller determine which structures may be causing pain or loss of function.

He may assess:

• Joint movement
• Muscle strength
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Joint stability
• Walking pattern
• Limb alignment
• Reflexes
• Sensation
• Ability to complete specific movements
• Previous surgical scars
• Differences between the affected and unaffected sides

The examination is considered together with the patient’s symptom history.

A finding on an X-ray or MRI does not always explain the pain. Dr. Siller may compare imaging with the physical examination before recommending treatment.

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic sports medicine is not limited to professional athletes.

It can help people injured during:

• School sports
• Recreational exercise
• Running
• Cycling
• Rugby
• Football
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Workplace activity
• Everyday movement

Sports-related conditions may develop suddenly after a fall, twist, collision, or forceful movement. Others develop gradually through repeated stress.

Dr. Siller may help patients understand whether an injury involves a ligament, tendon, muscle, bone, cartilage surface, or joint.

Treatment aims to restore movement safely while reducing the risk of repeated injury.

Return-to-Sport Planning

Returning to sport too early may increase the risk of reinjury.

Dr. Siller may consider:

• Pain level
• Swelling
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Joint stability
• Balance
• Sport-specific movement
• Rehabilitation progress
• Confidence using the injured area
• Nature of the original injury

A patient may feel comfortable during normal walking but remain unprepared for sprinting, cutting, jumping, or contact activity.

Return-to-sport decisions should be based on functional recovery rather than time alone.

Knee Pain

The knee contains bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cushioning structures that work together during standing, walking, running, and bending.

Knee pain may result from:

• Meniscus injury
• Ligament damage
• Arthritis
• Patellar instability
• Tendon irritation
• Cartilage injury
• Fracture
• Bursitis
• Overuse
• Previous trauma

Dr. Siller may ask whether the pain began suddenly, whether swelling occurred, and whether the knee locks, catches, gives way, or feels unstable.

Testing may include X-rays, MRI, or other imaging according to the suspected condition.

Meniscus Tears

The menisci are cartilage structures that help distribute pressure within the knee.

A tear may occur during twisting, pivoting, squatting, or contact. It may also develop gradually as the tissue changes over time.

Possible symptoms include:

• Joint-line pain
• Swelling
• Catching
• Clicking
• Difficulty bending
• Pain during twisting
• A feeling that the knee is locked
• Discomfort while squatting

Treatment depends on the tear pattern, location, symptoms, patient age, activity level, and presence of arthritis.

Some tears improve with rehabilitation and activity modification. Others may require arthroscopic repair or removal of an unstable damaged portion.

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, helps control knee stability.

An ACL tear may occur during:

• Sudden direction changes
• Awkward landing
• Pivoting
• Rapid stopping
• Contact to the knee

Patients may report a popping sensation followed by swelling and instability.

Dr. Siller may assess knee movement and stability and order MRI when appropriate.

Treatment may involve physical therapy, bracing, activity adjustment, or ACL reconstruction.

The decision depends on instability, sporting goals, other knee injuries, age, and expected future activity.

ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a tissue graft.

The graft may come from the patient or, in selected cases, from donor tissue.

Before surgery, Dr. Siller may discuss:

• Graft options
• Associated meniscus or cartilage injuries
• Anaesthesia
• Rehabilitation
• Return-to-work timing
• Return-to-sport expectations
• Possible complications
• Risk of reinjury

Surgery is only one stage of recovery. Structured rehabilitation is necessary to rebuild movement, strength, balance, and sport-specific control.

Patellar Instability

The patella, or kneecap, normally moves within a groove at the front of the knee.

Patellar instability occurs when it moves partly or completely out of position.

Possible symptoms include:

• A kneecap that shifts
• Sudden knee collapse
• Swelling
• Pain at the front of the knee
• Fear during bending or turning
• Repeated dislocation
• Reduced confidence during sport

Initial treatment may involve bracing and physical therapy.

Surgery may be considered when instability repeatedly returns, cartilage has been damaged, or anatomy increases the likelihood of another dislocation.

Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis develops when cartilage and other joint structures become damaged.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain while walking
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced movement
• Grinding
• Difficulty with stairs
• Pain after sitting
• Reduced ability to exercise

Treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Medicine
• Injections
• Bracing
• Assistive devices
• Joint replacement in advanced cases

The treatment plan should reflect symptom severity and function rather than X-ray appearance alone.

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components.

It may be considered when:

• Arthritis is advanced
• Pain limits ordinary activity
• Sleep is affected
• Walking has become difficult
• Conservative treatment has not provided enough improvement
• Joint damage is confirmed through examination and imaging

Before recommending surgery, Dr. Siller may review medical health, knee alignment, movement, muscle strength, previous treatment, and recovery support.

The goal is to reduce joint pain and improve function. A replacement does not recreate a completely natural knee, and rehabilitation remains important.

Hip Pain

Hip pain may originate from the joint, nearby tendons, muscles, bursa, lower back, or surrounding nerves.

Possible symptoms include:

• Groin pain
• Outer-hip discomfort
• Buttock pain
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Reduced movement
• Difficulty putting on shoes
• Pain when standing from a chair
• Nighttime discomfort

Dr. Siller may examine both the hip and nearby structures to identify the likely source.

X-rays may show arthritis, fractures, or bone changes. MRI may be used when a cartilage, tendon, muscle, or stress injury is suspected.

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis commonly causes groin pain, stiffness, and reduced walking ability.

Symptoms may gradually interfere with:

• Stairs
• Dressing
• Exercise
• Work
• Getting into a vehicle
• Standing from low seating
• Sleep

Conservative care may include medicine, physical therapy, activity adjustments, walking support, and selected injections.

Hip replacement may be considered when pain and stiffness remain severe despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

Hip Replacement

Hip replacement removes damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial components.

It may be recommended for advanced arthritis, selected fractures, or another condition causing severe joint damage.

Dr. Siller may discuss:

• Reason for surgery
• Type of implant
• Surgical approach
• Anaesthesia
• Hospital stay
• Blood-clot prevention
• Walking after surgery
• Physical therapy
• Temporary movement restrictions
• Possible complications

Recovery varies according to medical health, muscle strength, age, home support, and the reason for surgery.

Patients should follow rehabilitation and activity instructions even when pain improves quickly.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures commonly develop after a fall, particularly in older adults, although they can also occur after high-energy trauma in younger patients.

Possible symptoms include:

• Severe hip or groin pain
• Inability to stand
• Difficulty moving the leg
• A shortened or rotated leg
• Pain after a fall

Treatment often requires surgery.

The type of operation depends on fracture location, bone quality, blood supply, age, mobility before injury, and overall health.

Early rehabilitation is important because prolonged immobility can lead to additional medical complications.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder has a wide range of movement but depends on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage for stability.

Shoulder pain may result from:

• Rotator cuff injury
• Labral tear
• Instability
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendon irritation
• Frozen shoulder
• Fracture
• Repetitive overhead use

Dr. Siller may evaluate strength, movement, stability, and pain during specific actions.

Treatment may include therapy, medicine, injection, arthroscopic surgery, tendon repair, or joint replacement.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that supports shoulder movement and stability.

A tear may result from sudden injury or gradual wear.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shoulder weakness
• Pain while lifting the arm
• Nighttime discomfort
• Difficulty reaching overhead
• Pain while reaching behind the body
• Reduced control of the arm

Some tears can be treated with physical therapy, medication, and injections.

Surgery may be considered for significant weakness, traumatic tears, persistent symptoms, or injuries unlikely to heal adequately without repair.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair reconnects a torn tendon to the bone.

It is often performed arthroscopically through small incisions.

Recovery may involve:

• Temporary sling use
• Protection of the repair
• Gradual shoulder movement
• Physical therapy
• Progressive strengthening
• Delayed heavy lifting
• A structured return to sport or work

Tendon healing takes time. Feeling less pain does not mean the repair is ready for unrestricted activity.

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the upper arm bone moves excessively within the socket.

It may follow a dislocation or develop through repeated overhead activity.

Possible symptoms include:

• A shoulder that slips
• Repeated dislocation
• Apprehension during movement
• Pain during throwing
• Weakness
• Reduced confidence using the arm

Treatment may include therapy that improves strength and control.

Arthroscopic stabilisation may be considered when instability repeatedly returns or structural damage is present.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket.

It helps improve joint stability.

A labral tear may cause:

• Deep shoulder pain
• Clicking
• Catching
• Instability
• Pain during throwing
• Reduced performance
• Discomfort during lifting

Treatment depends on tear location, instability, sport, age, and response to rehabilitation.

Selected tears may be repaired through arthroscopic surgery.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes increasing pain and stiffness.

It often develops gradually and may be associated with:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Previous shoulder injury
• Surgery
• Prolonged reduction in shoulder use
• No clearly identifiable cause

Treatment may include medicine, injections, and carefully directed physical therapy.

Most patients improve over time, although recovery can be slow.

Surgery is usually reserved for stiffness that remains severe despite appropriate conservative treatment.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis may cause:

• Deep joint pain
• Stiffness
• Grinding
• Reduced overhead movement
• Nighttime discomfort
• Difficulty dressing
• Loss of strength

Care may begin with medicine, physical therapy, activity changes, or injections.

Shoulder replacement may be considered when joint damage and symptoms remain severe.

The implant type depends on tendon function, bone condition, age, and the pattern of arthritis.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy uses a small camera inserted into a joint through a small incision.

Additional instruments are placed through other small openings.

It may be used for selected conditions involving the:

• Knee
• Shoulder
• Other joints when clinically appropriate

Arthroscopy may allow Dr. Siller to:

• Inspect cartilage
• Repair a ligament
• Repair or trim damaged meniscus tissue
• Repair a tendon
• Stabilise a joint
• Remove loose material
• Treat selected areas of inflammation

Arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional open surgery, but it still requires anaesthesia, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Elbow Conditions

Elbow pain may result from repetitive activity, tendon irritation, arthritis, instability, or fracture.

Dr. Siller’s practice may evaluate conditions such as:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Elbow fractures
• Tendon injury
• Joint stiffness
• Nerve irritation
• Bursitis

Treatment may involve activity modification, bracing, medicine, physical therapy, injection, or surgery.

The correct plan depends on whether symptoms involve a tendon, joint, bone, ligament, or nerve.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow involves irritation or degeneration of tendons on the outer side of the elbow.

It may develop from repeated gripping, lifting, tool use, racquet sports, or other arm activity.

Symptoms may include:

• Outer-elbow pain
• Weak grip
• Pain while lifting
• Discomfort during wrist movement
• Tenderness near the bony part of the elbow

Most patients improve without surgery.

Treatment may include activity changes, exercises, bracing, medicine, therapy, or selected injections.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow affects tendons on the inner side of the elbow.

Possible symptoms include:

• Inner-elbow pain
• Pain during gripping
• Tenderness
• Weakness
• Symptoms during wrist flexion
• Discomfort after repetitive work or sport

Care may involve temporary activity modification, rehabilitation, bracing, and gradual return to normal use.

Surgery may be considered when persistent tendon damage does not improve with appropriate conservative treatment.

Hand and Wrist Conditions

Orthopedic hand and wrist concerns may include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Fractures
• Tendon injuries
• Arthritis
• Sprains

The hand contains many small joints, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Accurate diagnosis is important because several conditions can produce similar pain or numbness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist.

Possible symptoms include:

• Numbness in the thumb and nearby fingers
• Tingling at night
• Hand weakness
• Dropping objects
• Symptoms while driving
• Discomfort extending into the forearm

Treatment may include wrist splinting, activity changes, injection, or surgery.

Nerve testing may be used when the diagnosis is unclear or when severity needs to be assessed.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when a finger tendon does not move smoothly through its surrounding tunnel.

Symptoms may include:

• Clicking
• Catching
• Pain near the base of the finger
• Stiffness
• A finger becoming temporarily locked
• Symptoms that are worse in the morning

Treatment may include activity adjustment, injection, or surgical release.

The choice depends on symptom severity, duration, and response to previous care.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes irritation of tendons near the thumb side of the wrist.

Possible symptoms include:

• Wrist pain
• Pain while gripping
• Discomfort while lifting
• Swelling near the thumb
• Pain during thumb movement

Treatment may include bracing, activity modification, medicine, injection, or surgery when conservative treatment does not provide enough relief.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture causes thickened tissue within the palm.

Over time, one or more fingers may become bent and difficult to straighten.

Treatment depends on how much the condition affects hand use.

Observation may be appropriate during early stages. Procedures may be considered when the contracture interferes with placing the hand flat or completing ordinary tasks.

Fracture Care

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone.

Fractures may result from:

• Falls
• Sport
• Vehicle collisions
• Workplace injuries
• Direct impact
• Weakened bone
• Repetitive stress

Dr. Siller may use X-rays, CT imaging, or MRI depending on the injury.

Treatment may include:

• Splinting
• Casting
• Bracing
• Reduction
• Surgical fixation
• Rehabilitation

The correct approach depends on bone alignment, joint involvement, skin condition, blood supply, nerve function, and stability.

Fracture Surgery

Surgical fixation may be needed when a fracture is displaced, unstable, open, or extends into a joint.

The surgeon may use:

• Plates
• Screws
• Rods
• Pins
• Other fixation devices

The aim is to restore alignment and maintain stability while the bone heals.

Patients should understand that surgical fixation supports healing but does not make the bone immediately ready for normal loading.

Follow-up imaging and activity restrictions may be required.

Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma involves significant injuries to bones, joints, and soft tissues.

Examples include:

• Complex fractures
• Dislocations
• Injuries involving several structures
• Fractures extending into a joint
• High-energy sport or vehicle injuries
• Injuries requiring urgent surgical stabilisation

Treatment may require cooperation with emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, and other orthopedic specialists.

Recovery may involve several stages, including surgery, protection, movement restoration, strengthening, and return to normal activity.

Joint Injections

Joint injections may be considered for selected patients with pain caused by arthritis or inflammation.

Depending on the diagnosis, an injection may include numbing medicine, corticosteroid, or another medically appropriate treatment.

An injection may help:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve movement
• Support participation in therapy
• Delay surgery in selected cases
• Clarify whether pain comes from a particular joint

The benefit may be temporary, and injections do not rebuild damaged cartilage.

Frequency and suitability depend on the joint, diagnosis, medical history, and earlier response.

Conservative Orthopedic Care

Seeing an orthopedic surgeon does not mean that surgery is required.

Conservative treatment may include:

• Temporary activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Home exercises
• Bracing
• Splinting
• Medicine
• Joint injections
• Monitoring
• Changes to sport or work technique

Surgery may be considered when an injury cannot heal adequately without repair, joint damage is advanced, instability continues, or conservative care has not restored acceptable function.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can improve:

• Strength
• Range of motion
• Balance
• Joint control
• Walking
• Flexibility
• Confidence using an injured limb
• Ability to return to work or sport

The rehabilitation plan should match the diagnosis and stage of healing.

Exercises suitable after a minor sprain may not be safe immediately after ligament reconstruction, tendon repair, fracture fixation, or joint replacement.

Dr. Siller may coordinate the timing and progression of therapy.

Preparing for an Orthopedic Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medicine list
• Previous orthopedic records
• X-ray, CT, or MRI images
• Written imaging reports
• Physical therapy notes
• Injection records
• Earlier surgical reports
• A list of medicine allergies
• Details of the original injury
• Questions about treatment

It may help to record:

• When the pain began
• Whether an injury occurred
• Which movements worsen symptoms
• Whether swelling develops
• Whether the joint locks or gives way
• Whether numbness or weakness occurs
• Which treatments have already been attempted
• How symptoms affect work, sleep, exercise, or daily activity

Patients should bring actual imaging files when possible because the images may provide more information than the written report alone.

Preparing for Orthopedic Surgery

Preparation may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging
• Medication review
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Heart or lung evaluation when appropriate
• Diabetes planning
• Treatment of active infection
• Instructions about food and drink
• Transportation arrangements
• Planning for assistance at home
• Arranging physical therapy

Patients should tell the surgical team about:

• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medicine
• Prescription pain medicine
• Supplements
• Allergies
• Previous anaesthesia reactions
• Blood-clot history
• Skin infections
• Tobacco exposure
• Other medical conditions

Patients should not stop prescribed medicine unless the surgical or prescribing team gives clear instructions.

Recovery After Orthopedic Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure, diagnosis, medical health, age, and rehabilitation needs.

Instructions may cover:

• Incision care
• Swelling control
• Pain medicine
• Brace or sling use
• Weight-bearing limits
• Walking support
• Driving
• Return to work
• Physical therapy
• Follow-up imaging
• Return to sport

Patients may feel less pain before the repaired tendon, ligament, bone, or joint has fully healed.

Following activity restrictions can protect the surgical repair and reduce the risk of reinjury.

Coordinated Musculoskeletal Care

Orthopedic conditions may require cooperation with:

• Primary care physicians
• Physical therapists
• Athletic trainers
• Physical medicine physicians
• Neurologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Rheumatologists
• Radiologists
• Pain-management specialists

Coordination can help when pain has several possible sources or when a patient has joint disease alongside spinal, nerve, or medical conditions.

Patients whose symptoms require surgical spine evaluation may also review Dr. Daniel H. Kim’s neurosurgical and spine care.

Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care

Dr. Siller provides orthopedic care based on each patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, physical demands, previous treatment, medical health, and personal goals.

His clinical work may include sports injury management, arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, meniscus treatment, rotator cuff repair, fracture care, hip and knee replacement, and conservative orthopedic treatment.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, certification status, hospital participation, surgical locations, rehabilitation arrangements, and referral requirements directly with the Orthopedic Clinic of Galveston County.