Surgeons at the Bone and Joint Center at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have performed 417 surgical procedures to treat spinal injuries since the beginning of 2022, using the latest therapeutic techniques and medical devices that have improved the therapeutic outcomes for cases of fractures and bone diseases for hundreds of patients with spinal problems or deformities.
Senior Consultant and Head of the Orthopedic Surgery Department, and Director of the Bone and Joint Center at HMC, Dr. Mohammed Al Ateeq Al Dosari, said that the center performs various types of surgical procedures using advanced surgical techniques, which offer many advantages and positive results in treating patients. This comes within the significant development witnessed in Qatar’s healthcare sector, with HMC keeping up with the latest medical developments and incorporating them into its healthcare facilities.
Dr. Mohammed Al Ateeq Al Dosari emphasized the Bone and Joint Center’s commitment to applying the highest standards of patient safety, which is one of the key factors for the success of the surgeries performed. They also focus on providing all the necessary guidance and patient education, leading to increased patient satisfaction due to the positive results of the surgeries and the reduction in suffering related to pain and mobility after the surgical procedures.
Spine Surgery Consultant at the Bone and Joint Center at HMC, Dr. Alaa Zaqout, stated: “Since the beginning of 2022 until mid-September 2023, we have performed 417 surgical procedures to treat spinal injuries, including 100 surgical procedures for spinal fracture fixation, 233 surgeries for cervical spine conditions, including 65 vertebral fixation surgeries, in addition to 38 surgeries for the thoracic and lumbar spine, and 43 surgeries for correcting spinal deformities (scoliosis and kyphosis), along with three surgical procedures for cases of spinal cancer.” Dr. Zaqout also highlighted many of the specialized surgeries performed to treat spinal injuries for hundreds of patients, with success rates matching global standards and meeting the highest quality and safety criteria. These surgeries included scoliosis correction for children before puberty without affecting spinal growth using magnetic devices.
Dr. Zaqout added: “We have performed surgeries for patients who previously had surgeries abroad, and it is known that surgical intervention on a previously operated spine injury is technically challenging due to scarring and adhesions, which increase the surgical complications. We recently performed a specialized surgery that involved the complete removal of a vertebra and spinal fixation.” Dr. Zaqout emphasized that all patients with spinal injuries undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy programs after surgery, in accordance with HMC’s policy to provide post-surgery care for all patients professionally.
Dr. Zaqout stated that these surgeries were not previously performed except with visiting doctors, or patients were sent abroad for treatment. However, today, they are conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation as part of a systematic scientific advancement of medical teams, continuous training, and missions for medical staff, along with the enhancement of medical capabilities and the provision of state-of-the-art equipment at Hamad Medical Corporation.
In addition, there is a training program for resident doctors, followed by a fellowship program in spinal surgery for a duration of 3 years, enabling the doctor to become proficient in handling spinal cases with recognized competence.
Dr. Zaqout stated that individuals at risk of spinal injuries are drivers, and most cervical and lumbar disc degeneration cases are related to lack of physical activity, weight gain, and poor neck posture, especially in front of computers and mobile phones.
Dr. Zaqout also mentioned that Hamad Medical Corporation is preparing to launch a joint program with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to raise awareness and conduct early detection of spinal injuries. This program aims to provide better treatment opportunities and reduce disability rates based on data from at least 500 patients with spinal deformities in Qatar.
Spinal surgery is part of the Bone and Joint Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, with four clinics dedicated to receiving patients daily throughout the week. These clinics address cases of back and neck pain, cervical and lumbar disc herniation, degenerative conditions, spinal deformities across different age groups, and some cases of tumors. Additionally, spinal fracture cases are handled by Hamad General Hospitals emergency and trauma center.
Source: Qatar News Agency
