Dr. Byrd Named in National List of Top Spine Surgeons

Dr. Byrd was recently selected as one of the top 90 spinal surgeons nationwide based on his many accolades, including a patent for the Synergy Spinal System.

Dr. Byrd has been a trailblazer in spinal implant development. In 1984, alongside Drs. Randy Puno and Robert Winter, he co-developed the PWB spinal implant system, leading to the world’s first variable-angle pedicle screw—an advancement now showcased in the Kansas University Spine and Orthopedic Historical Collections. He also pioneered one of the first stand-alone spinal cages for treating discogenic lumbar and cervical pain, devices that remain in use today. Source

Dr. Byrd began practicing orthopaedic surgery in Hampton Roads in 1987 and was among the few spine surgeons treating adult spinal deformity at the time. He served as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Sentara Norfolk hospitals in the 1990s. As President of Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists for 16 years, he oversaw significant growth, expanding the group to 23 physicians and nearly 200 staff across multiple locations in South Hampton Roads.

A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Byrd completed his general surgery training at Emory University and an orthopaedic residency at Duke University, followed by a spine surgery fellowship at the Twin Cities Scoliosis Center. In 2014, he and his wife, Dr. Allison D. Byrd, endowed the Allison D. and J. Abbott Byrd III Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery at VCU, supporting future research and academic excellence in orthopaedic surgery. Source

Dr. Byrd’s legacy continues through his children, Jennifer and Will, who joined Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists in 2019. Jennifer specializes in orthopaedic sports medicine, while Will focuses on total joint replacements, exemplifying the family’s dedication to advancing patient care.