MUSCAT: Khoula Hospital in Muscat has marked a major milestone in specialized healthcare by expanding its comprehensive surgical programme for spinal deformities, notably scoliosis. First launched in 2012, the programme has undergone significant advancements, particularly with the introduction of early treatment strategies that allow intervention in younger patients. More than 50 successful pediatric cases have been recorded since the implementation of these strategies last year, offering patients and their families access to advanced treatment without the burden of traveling abroad.
The localization of these high-complexity surgeries within Oman has significantly reduced both financial and emotional strain, while also empowering national medical teams with capabilities that match international standards. The hospital has integrated state-of-the-art technology, including intraoperative nerve monitoring, modern spinal fixation systems, and robotic-assisted surgical tools. These developments have placed Khoula Hospital among a select few regional institutions capable of delivering precision-based spine surgeries, especially in pediatric care.
Further progress has been made in research and data documentation, with a dedicated unit established to record and analyze scoliosis treatment outcomes over the years. A new strategic research initiative is also underway, focused on using artificial intelligence to introduce early scoliosis screening in schools, a move designed to minimize the need for surgical intervention in the long run and promote earlier, less invasive treatments.
Hospital leadership, including Dr. Sultan Al Kalbani and Dr. Rashid Al Alawi, highlighted the collaborative efforts among Omani doctors, technicians, and administrators as essential to the program’s success. They emphasized continued investment in workforce training, both locally and internationally, to support the hospital’s goal of becoming a regional hub for spinal surgery. The initiative not only enhances clinical outcomes but also reinforces trust in Oman’s healthcare system and strengthens its position on the medical map of the Middle East.
