First degenerative scoliosis surgery performed at Nizwa Hospital

Nizwa: A specialised medical team from the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital, in collaboration with a medical team at Nizwa Hospital, successfully performed the first surgical procedure to treat a case of degenerative scoliosis at Nizwa Hospital. This achievement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance medical cooperation and localize specialised healthcare services in the governorates’ health institutions.

Dr. Sultan Saif Al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital, Consultant in Orthopedic and Spine Surgery, and leader of the medical team, explained to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the surgery was performed on a patient suffering from an abnormal curvature of the spine, using the latest surgical techniques.

He clarified that degenerative scoliosis occurs in elderly patients due to the deterioration of cartilage, joints, and ligaments in the back, leading to curvature and severe back pain during movement. He noted that this type of scoliosis differs from the scoliosis that affects children.

Dr. Al-Kalbani emphasised that this accomplishment is the result of joint coordination between Khoula Hospital, the national reference center for spine surgeries, and Nizwa Hospital, in line with the Ministry of Health’s strategy to enhance specialised services across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman and reduce pressure on central referral hospitals.

He pointed out that such procedures were previously conducted outside the governorate, imposing financial and psychological burdens on patients and their families. However, localising these services helps alleviate these challenges and promotes equitable healthcare distribution among governorates. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between health institutions to exchange expertise and build national competencies capable of performing complex surgeries.

Dr. Al-Kalbani noted the Spine Unit’s commitment to advancing spine surgery services in accordance with the latest global practices, with a focus on continuous training and upskilling of medical personnel.

It is worth mentioning that Khoula Hospital serves as a centre for treating all types of scoliosis.