Idlib, March 28 (SANA) A German medical team has arrived in Idlib to work alongside Syrian surgeons in performing advanced shoulder replacement procedures, a type of surgery rarely available in the country.
The team carried out its first reverse shoulder replacement at Idlib University Hospital, part of a wider initiative supported by Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to strengthen medical training in Syria.
Dr Faisal Shahada, a Syrian orthopaedic consultant residing in Germany, said the operation reflects growing efforts to bring advanced surgical techniques to Syria. He noted strong interest among local specialists to upgrade their skills.
Shahada highlighted the strong enthusiasm among specialists, consultants, and residents to enhance their skills and integrate the latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery, particularly shoulder procedures.
Dr Ali Al Faraj, an orthopaedic surgeon and supervisor at Aleppo University Hospital, explained that reverse shoulder replacement remains a rare procedure in Syria. Hosting international medical teams, he said, provides valuable opportunities to exchange expertise with Europe and beyond, while offering critical insights into complex medical cases.
Dr Abdel Hakim Al Atrash, orthopaedic surgeon and lecturer at Aleppo University, said shoulder joint replacement remains limited in Syria and is mostly performed using traditional open techniques. The goal, he added, is to expand the use of modern methods and train Syrian surgeons to address the needs of patients suffering from shoulder joint disorders.
The visit comes as part of ongoing international cooperation efforts led by Idlib University Hospital to strengthen the health sector across the province.
MHD
