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French shoulder and elbow consultant and surgeon, Dr. Marius Scarlat has concluded his visit to Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Bone and Joint Center after providing cutting-edge services to patients suffering from shoulder and elbow problems.
Dr. Scarlat has extensive experience in the specialty of orthopedic surgery and has completed many training courses both in Europe and in the United States in specialties such as prosthetic hip surgery, shoulder and elbow replacement.
During clinics conducted over two days, Dr. Scarlat saw more than 60 pre-booked patients. The bulk of the patients were suffering from Type 2 diabetes. “Due to the high prevalence of diabetes in Qatar and the region, we have many people who have issues with their joints, like shoulder pain and damaged rotator cuffs. If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of various bone and joint disorders,” he said.
Dr. Scarlat noted that people who have Type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, likely due to obesity. Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It may affect any joint in the body. He explained further that certain factors, such as nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), arterial disease, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity, may also contribute to these problems.
During his stay, Dr. Scarlat also performed 10 advanced shoulder and elbow surgeries, including reverse arthroplasty (total shoulder replacement). Total shoulder replacement arthroplasty is a well-established surgery for restoring comfort and function to the arthritic shoulder. “In this procedure, the arthritic ball is replaced by a smooth metal ball fixed to the arm (humerus) by a stem that fits within it,” he explained.
Dr. Mohamed Al Ateeq, Director of the Bone and Joint Center and Chairman of HMC’s Orthopedic Department described Dr. Scarlat as an eminent surgeon who stands out due to his involvement in sustained medical activity. “We are so proud to have a surgeon of Dr. Scarlat’s caliber visit our facility and attend to patients. His visit has again complemented our local expertise and boosted the high-quality care we are already offering to our patients.”
Dr. Al Ateeq added that his visit is part of the plan aimed at inviting international and reputable experts to the Bone and Joint Center to maintain the highest quality of care for patients and also to boost the skills and expertise of surgeons at HMC.
Apart from attending to patients, Dr. Scarlat also gave a lecture on advanced shoulder surgeries. During a ground round hosted by HMC’s Orthopedic Department and attended by specialists from the department, he shared experiences from France.
Moreover, Dr. Scarlat also took part in HMC’s first shoulder arthroscopy workshop aimed at training HMC faculty comprising residents from the Orthopedic Department.
Dr. Scarlat thanked Dr. Al Ateeq for inviting him again this year saying: “I am grateful to Dr. Al Ateeq for providing me with this opportunity to be part of his efforts to develop this unique specialty and sub-specialty at HMC. I am so impressed by the pace of development at Hamad’s Center and its direction in providing quality, visible and accessible care to patients in Qatar.”
