Amman, Jordan – When Dr. Firas Husban first introduced OLIF surgery in the MENA region, back in 2022, he didn’t just make medical history – He fundamentally transformed the practice in the Middle East, setting the benchmark for minimally invasive spinal care procedures and surgeries across the wider Africa and Asia regions.
Dr. Husban has been pioneering the unchartered spinal surgery territories in the Middle long before he became the first surgeon in the MENA region to perform the Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) surgery 3 years ago. So far, Dr. Husban has completed dozens of successful OLIF procedures and is pushing the boundaries for greater incorporation of new minimally invasive techniques and surgeries, to further revolutionize spine care in the region.
With over 28 years of experience as a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Husban has dedicated his career to advancing spine care and improving post-treatment recovery with new techniques.
Three decades into his practice, Dr. Husban is today the Regional Chief Officer of Spine Centers & Fellowships with AOspine Middle East and an international lecturer for both AOTrauma and AOspine. He is also the leading spine surgeon at the Emirates Specialty Hospital, one of the most prominent medical institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
With expertise spanning a wide range of spine conditions, Dr. Husban’s distinct specialization is treating complex spinal deformities, including scoliosis (idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular) in both adults and children. His commitment to adopting cutting-edge surgical techniques has positioned him at the forefront of spine surgery innovation in the region, OLIF procedures notwithstanding.
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) procedures are an advanced, highly specialized type of minimally invasive spine surgery. This advanced technique allows surgeons to access the spine through a lateral approach, resulting in:
The procedure is particularly effective for treating degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, and certain types of spinal deformities.
Since 2022, when Dr. Husban brought OLIF to the Middle East, he has performed dozens of minimally invasive surgeries, especially OLIF procedures, with an outstanding success rate. He has treated patients from all age and gender groups, including adolescents and elderlies with simple to complex and advanced spinal deformities and illnesses. In fact, out of Dr. Husban’s many success stories, there are three that specifically demonstrate the remarkable long-term durability of the technique.
Mohammad Al-Shammari, an 81-year-old patient from Saudi Arabia, exemplifies how OLIF surgery can safely benefit even elderly patients who might not be candidates for traditional spine surgery.
OLIF Patient (81 years old) Mohammad Al-Shammari (Center Left) poses for a photo with Dr. Firas Husban (Center Right) during a follow-up visit at the doctor’s clinc after recovering from procedure – (Source: Dr. Firas Husban / Checkers Inc.)
Dr. Husban performed a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to stabilize vertebrae L2 through L5. The surgery was completed through small skin incisions with no bleeding or complications – a testament to the safety profile of this advanced technique.
The X-Ray image above shows a part of 81-years-old) Mohammad Al-Shammari’s spine from the back and side after undergoing the OLIF procedure – (Source: Dr. Firas Husban / Checkers Inc.)
Mohammad Al-Shammari’s is living, walking proof that age need not be a contraindication when cutting-edge minimally invasive approaches are employed by skilled hands. If anything, procedures like OLIF can significantly enhance the life quality of patients of all ages, making life easier for people who otherwise would have to go through their lives limited by pain and constrained mobility.
Dalia, a 26-year-old patient from Iraq, represents an entirely different case, compared to contraindication. Her case highlights the transformative potential of OLIF surgery for young adults facing debilitating spine conditions. She underwent minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to remove a herniated disc and stabilize vertebrae L5 to S1.
Young 26-year-old Dalia from Iraq speaks in this video about her experience with OLIF and treatment by Dr. Firas Husban – (Source: Dr. Firas Husban / Checkers Inc.)
This case powerfully demonstrates the new technique’s ability to deliver complete functional restoration, as Dalia has fully regained her movement and activity level. She returned to her normal life without the chronic pain that had previously constrained her. For young patients like Dalia, OLIF doesn’t just alleviate symptoms; it restores the promise of an active, unrestricted future.
Perhaps the most compelling case treated by Dr. Firas Husban is Zainab’s, having undergone spinal fusion from L5 to S1 vertebras, using the OLIF technique with bone cage and anterior fixation.
The above X-Ray image shows the complexity of the OLIF procedure conducted by Dr. Firas Husban on Zainab more than 10 years ago – (Source: Dr. Firas Husban / Checkers Inc.)
One of the most intricate and composite procedures, Zainab’s post-operative imaging at the time (above) shows clear vertebral alignment and stability achieved through minimal intervention.
Today, a full decade later, Zainab continues to enjoy good health with a stable spine – living proof that OLIF delivers not just immediate relief, but lasting results.
Young 26-year-old Dalia from Iraq speaks in this video about her experience with OLIF and treatment by Dr. Firas Husban – (Source: Dr. Firas Husban / Checkers Inc.)
This case provides powerful evidence of the technique’s reliability and Dr. Husban’s surgical precision, with benefits that endure year after year.
Clearly, Dr. Husban’s impact extends far beyond the OR (Operating Room). As Regional Chief Officer of Spine Centers & Fellowships for AOspine Middle East, he has been instrumental in elevating spine surgery standards across the entire region. His introduction of OLIF regionally has created a ripple effect – training programs have been established, local surgeons have been mentored in this specific technique, and patients who once needed to travel abroad for OLIF procedures can now receive world-class treatment closer to home.
The dozens of successful OLIF procedures Dr. Husban has performed since that first pioneering surgery represent more than individual medical achievements. He has made an advanced surgical option accessible all throughout the region – bringing a technique that offers superior outcomes with faster recovery times to patients who previously had limited access to such innovations.
“Our clinic focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes to improve patients’ quality of life,” says Dr. Husban. “Whether dealing with spine problems, joints, discs, back, or neck issues, we ensure every procedure is performed with precision and exceptional care.”
The dozens of successful OLIF procedures Dr. Husban has performed – with an outstanding success rate – demonstrate his unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the years, Dr. Husban has consistently delivered Optimal Surgical Outcomes, leveraging minimally invasive techniques for superior results, all while focusing on reduced Patient Discomfort, with minimal pain and complications, shorter Recovery Periods, and personalized Treatment Plans.
This patient-centered philosophy, combined with cutting-edge surgical expertise, explains why patients from across the MENA region seek Dr. Husban’s care for complex spine conditions.
Dr. Husban’s pioneering introduction of OLIF surgery to the MENA region has catalyzed systemic changes in spine surgery practice as well as the medical and healthcare sectors region-wide. From Advancing Clinical Standards to Building Regional Capacity and Localizing Medical Tourism, the impact of Dr. Firas Husban’s innovations is multifaceted.
By demonstrating the superior outcomes achievable with minimally invasive approaches, Dr. Husban has raised the bar for what patients can expect from spine surgery. Traditional open procedures, once the standard of care, are increasingly giving way to techniques that prioritize patient recovery and quality of life.
As Regional Chief Officer of Spine Centers & Fellowships of AOspine Middle East, Dr. Husban is actively engaged in training surgeons across the region in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques. This knowledge transfer ensures that OLIF and other minimally invasive procedures become standard practice, not exceptional care.
Patients from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and across the MENA region who once traveled to Europe or North America for advanced spine surgery can now receive world-class care locally. This represents not just convenience, but a fundamental shift in regional healthcare capability, paving the way for significant economic benefits as well as social and medical. The possible outcomes of a localized, world-class surgical capacity such as this, while quantifiable, can only be speculated at this point.
Dr. Husban’s resounding success with OLIF has created momentum for adopting other advanced techniques across the region, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in spine surgery practice.
Dr. Husban’s journey from being the first to perform OLIF in the MENA region to becoming a leading voice in spine surgery transformation continues to evolve.
As an international lecturer for AOspine and AOTrauma, he shares his expertise with surgeons worldwide while continuously advancing spine care in his home region. His role as Educational Officer for AOspine Jordan Chapter ensures that each new generation of spine surgeons learns not just techniques, but the philosophy of patient-centered, minimally invasive care.
With nearly three decades of experience, over 30 published papers and conference presentations, and dozens of successful OLIF procedures alongside countless other spine surgeries, Dr. Husban represents the synthesis of surgical excellence, innovation, patient care, and dedication to advancing the field. His work demonstrates that true pioneering achievement isn’t just about being first – it’s about transforming practices, elevating others, and consistently delivering outstanding outcomes that change lives.
Dr. Firas Husban is a consultant spine and orthopedic surgeon with over 28 years of experience. He specializes in disc problems, back and neck conditions, complex spinal deformities, minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, spinal correction procedures, and spinal tumor treatment. He serves as Regional Chief Officer of Spine Centers & Fellowships of AOspine Middle East and is recognized internationally as a lecturer and educator in spine surgery.
For more information about advanced spine surgery options, please contact Dr. Husban’s clinic.
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