
Dr. Tristan Blase Fried is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon specializing in the comprehensive care of degenerative spinal conditions. His mission is to help patients find lasting relief from neck and back pathology through treatment plans that balance cutting-edge innovation with compassion and a personal touch.
Every patient’s spine — and story — is unique. That’s why Dr. Fried takes time to listen carefully, understand each person’s goals and lifestyle, and design a care pathway tailored to their needs, whether that involves non-surgical options, minimally invasive outpatient surgery, or complex reconstruction.

Dr. Fried completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the prestigious Rothman Institute/Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the top spine training centers in the world.
He then pursued advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at Rush University Medical Center/Midwest Orthopaedics in Chicago, where he worked closely with internationally recognized leaders including:
These experiences provided him with deep expertise in state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques, such as:
By mastering these advanced tools, Dr. Fried is able to perform surgeries with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery times — helping patients return to their lives more quickly and with less pain.
Spine surgery has evolved dramatically over the last decade, moving away from large, open procedures toward precise, targeted techniques that minimize impact on surrounding muscles and tissues.
Dr. Fried believes that minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgery represents the future of spinal care. His approach focuses on:
This patient-centered philosophy combines advanced surgical skill with a strong emphasis on education and shared decision-making — empowering patients to understand their condition and feel confident about their treatment.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Fried remains deeply engaged in advancing the field of spine surgery.
His research interests include spinal biomechanics, value-based care, and opioid-sparing recovery protocols — all aimed at improving patient safety and surgical outcomes for future generations

Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Fried is proud to now call Honolulu home.
By joining Excel Health, he brings world-class expertise to the local community, ensuring that patients in Hawaiʻi have access to the same advanced spine care available at the nation’s leading academic centers.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer to the islands, Dr. Fried is honored to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care designed to restore mobility and improve quality of life.
500 Ala Moana Blvd tower 4 470, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
160 Paia Pohaku Pl, Unit B Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, 96761 64-5188 Kinohou Street, Waimea, HI 96743 Scheduling: 808-909-9115 Clinical Questions for Dr. Fried : tristan.fried@excelhealth.co <<https://excelhealth.co/team/tristan-fried-md/<<