Scoliosis Surgery in Iraq: What Patients and Families Need to Know

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that affects both children and adults. In Iraq, it is one of the more complex spinal conditions managed at specialist centres. Dr. Ghazwan Hasan has a unique distinction in Iraqi spine surgery history — he performed the first scoliosis surgery carried out by a local Iraqi surgeon in the country, marking a major milestone in the development of advanced spine care in Iraq.

What Is Scoliosis?

A normal spine, when viewed from behind, runs in a straight vertical line. In scoliosis, the spine curves sideways, often in an S or C shape. The severity is measured by the Cobb angle on a standing X-ray. A Cobb angle under 10 degrees is considered within normal variation. Angles between 10 and 40 degrees are typically monitored or treated with bracing. Curves above 40 to 50 degrees are generally considered for surgical correction.

Types of Scoliosis

The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which develops during the growth spurt before puberty and affects more girls than boys. Adult degenerative scoliosis develops as a result of disc and joint degeneration in older patients and is a growing cause of back pain in adults over 50. Congenital scoliosis is present from birth due to abnormally formed vertebrae. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs in patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery is generally recommended when the Cobb angle exceeds 40 to 50 degrees in growing patients, when the curve is progressing rapidly despite bracing, when significant pain or neurological symptoms are present, or when the deformity is affecting the patient's breathing or heart function. Surgical correction involves instrumented fusion — placing rods and screws along the curved segment to straighten and hold the spine in the corrected position while bone fusion occurs.

Dr. Ghazwan Hasan's Scoliosis Experience

Dr. Hasan performed the first scoliosis surgery by a local surgeon in Iraq, establishing a standard for complex spinal deformity management within the country. He has since continued to build expertise in adult and adolescent scoliosis correction, attending the 6th Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and the 5th International Virtual Scoliosis Week as a faculty member. He has also published a book chapter on scoliosis in the Springer textbook Congenital Spine Malformations (2024).

Recovery After Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis surgery is one of the more complex spine procedures, and recovery reflects this. Patients typically spend 3 to 5 days in hospital post-operatively. Walking begins within 1 to 2 days of surgery. Return to school or light activities occurs around 6 to 8 weeks. Return to sports and full activity is usually permitted after 6 to 12 months as the spinal fusion consolidates. Long-term outcomes for scoliosis surgery are generally excellent — most patients experience significant improvement in posture, reduced pain, and improved quality of life.

Consult Dr. Hasan in Baghdad

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with scoliosis and want expert evaluation from one of Iraq's most experienced spine surgeons, contact Dr. Ghazwan Hasan's clinic at the Ashur Building, Al-Kindi Street, Harthiya, Baghdad. Call +964 771 409 9298 to book a consultation.