Use of Mineral Oil Aids Scoliosis Correction by Decreasing Implant Friction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is commonly corrected through pos­terior spinal fusion and instrumen­tation using pedicle screws. One difficulty in performing the correc­tion with this method is the potential for friction at the interface between the rod and each individual point of fixation. The authors have found that the application of mineral oil at these points of contact serves to reduce friction, reducing the need for undue force and increasing the likelihood of effective fixation. The lubrication afforded by the mineral oil is particularly helpful when per­forming scoliosis correction using the classic derotation of the rod and direct vertebral rotation.