Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Spinal Fractures in Baghdad

Vertebral compression fractures are one of the most painful and debilitating consequences of osteoporosis and spinal trauma. In older adults with weak bones, even a minor fall or strain can cause a vertebra to partially collapse, resulting in sudden severe back pain and progressive spinal deformity. Dr. Ghazwan Hasan performed the first kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures in Baghdad, making these life-changing minimally invasive treatments available to Iraqi patients for the first time.

What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when a vertebral body collapses under pressure, typically due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer affecting the bone. The most common locations are the thoracic and lumbar spine (mid and lower back). Symptoms include sudden, severe back pain that is worse with standing or movement, a gradual stooped posture or height loss, and in severe cases, nerve compression causing leg pain or weakness.

What Is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special orthopaedic cement (polymethylmethacrylate — PMMA) is injected directly into the collapsed vertebra under X-ray guidance. The cement hardens within minutes, stabilising the fracture and reducing pain. The procedure is performed through a small needle under local or general anaesthesia, with no incision required. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours.

What Is Kyphoplasty and How Is It Different?

Kyphoplasty takes vertebroplasty a step further. Before cement injection, a small balloon (bone tamp) is inserted into the collapsed vertebra and inflated to create a cavity and partially restore the vertebra's height. The balloon is then removed and the cavity is filled with cement under lower pressure, which reduces the risk of cement leakage compared to vertebroplasty. Kyphoplasty is particularly effective when the fracture is recent (within 6 to 8 weeks) and the bone loss is significant enough to cause measurable height collapse.

Who Needs These Procedures?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are recommended for patients with painful vertebral compression fractures that have not responded to 4 to 6 weeks of conservative treatment, patients who cannot tolerate prolonged bed rest due to other medical conditions, patients with multiple fractures causing progressive deformity, and patients with cancer-related (metastatic) vertebral fractures. Both procedures are contraindicated in cases of active infection, significant neurological compromise from bone fragment compression, or certain types of fracture patterns.

What to Expect: Fast Relief, Short Recovery

One of the most remarkable aspects of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty is the speed of pain relief. Studies consistently show that 80 to 90 percent of patients experience significant or complete pain relief within 24 to 72 hours. The procedure itself takes 30 to 60 minutes per level. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning. Return to walking and light activity typically occurs within 1 to 3 days. No large incision, no prolonged hospital stay, and no general anaesthesia is required in most cases.

Book a Consultation in Baghdad

If you or a family member has suffered a sudden onset of severe back pain, particularly following a fall or in the context of osteoporosis, early evaluation is essential. Dr. Ghazwan Hasan offers kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty at his Baghdad clinic. Contact us at +964 771 409 9298 or visit the Ashur Building, Al-Kindi Street, Harthiya, Baghdad.