For many people living with chronic neck or back pain, the idea of spine surgery can feel overwhelming. Pain relief often comes with a fear of losing mobility or undergoing a major procedure like spinal fusion. But modern spine care has evolved, and today, patients have options that prioritize both relief and movement.
At First State Orthopaedics in Wilmington, Delaware, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Kalin Fisher is leading the way in motion-preserving spine treatments. Through advanced cervical and lumbar disc replacement procedures using prodisc® technology, Dr. Fisher helps patients reduce pain while maintaining the natural movement of their spine.
Spinal fusion has long been a standard treatment for degenerative disc disease and other spine conditions. While effective for certain patients, fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that level of the spine. Over time, this loss of motion can place added stress on nearby spinal segments.
Disc replacement offers a different approach. Rather than locking the spine in place, artificial disc replacement is designed to preserve movement while relieving pain caused by damaged or worn discs. This motion-preserving option can be especially appealing for active individuals who want to maintain flexibility and function.
Potential benefits of disc replacement include:
Preservation of natural spinal motion
Faster recovery and earlier return to daily activities
Reduced stress on adjacent spinal levels
Long-lasting pain relief without sacrificing mobility
Dr. Fisher regularly performs both cervical disc replacement for neck pain and lumbar disc replacement for lower back pain. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Dr. Fisher is a strong advocate for disc replacement and motion preservation, relying on the prodisc® family of implants from Centinel Spine. These devices are among the most extensively studied artificial discs in the world, with decades of clinical data supporting their safety, durability, and effectiveness.
Prodisc® implants are engineered to closely replicate natural spinal motion while providing long-term stability. Their proven track record makes them a trusted option for patients seeking an alternative to fusion.
“This technology has truly revolutionized spine surgery,” Dr. Fisher explains. “Disc replacement allows us to treat advanced spine conditions without significantly altering the natural mechanics of the body. That can make a meaningful difference when it comes to avoiding some of the long-term issues associated with fusion, particularly adjacent segment degeneration.”
Dr. Fisher’s expertise in disc replacement is grounded in advanced training and hands-on experience. He completed his spine surgery fellowship at the Texas Back Institute, a world-renowned center for spine care and the location where the first disc replacements in the United States were performed.
“Disc replacement was a regular part of our practice at TBI,” Dr. Fisher shares. “That experience allowed me to become highly comfortable with both cervical and lumbar disc replacement procedures. Today, these surgeries make up a large part of my practice.”
This background gives patients confidence that they are working with a surgeon who understands both the technical precision and long-term considerations involved in motion-preserving spine care.
Patients throughout Delaware and the surrounding region seek out Dr. Fisher for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach and specialized focus on spine health. He is known for:
Extensive experience with cervical and lumbar disc replacement
A strong emphasis on motion preservation when appropriate
Use of clinically proven, data-backed technology
Clear communication and patient education
Dr. Fisher believes that informed patients make the best decisions. He takes time to explain all available options, including nonoperative treatments whenever possible, ensuring surgery is only recommended when truly necessary.
If you are struggling with chronic neck or back pain and want to explore alternatives to spinal fusion, a consultation with Dr. Kalin Fisher can provide clarity and confidence. Through personalized evaluation and advanced surgical expertise, the team at First State Orthopaedics is helping patients move forward without giving up motion.
To learn more about Dr. Kalin Fisher, artificial disc replacement, and prodisc® technology, call 302-731-2888 or visit First State Orthopaedics online.
Dr. Kalin Fisher is a highly skilled orthopaedic and spine surgery specialist dedicated to restoring function and improving quality of life for both adult and pediatric patients. He prioritizes conservative, nonoperative treatments whenever appropriate and utilizes advanced minimally invasive techniques when surgery is required.
His expertise includes microdiscectomy, spinal decompression, artificial disc replacement, minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion, kyphoplasty, and deformity correction. Dr. Fisher’s commitment to patient-centered care and leading-edge spine treatment ensures each patient receives a thoughtful, individualized approach to healing.
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