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Use of Mineral Oil Aids Scoliosis Correction by Decreasing Implant Friction
Am J Orthop. 2012 January;41(1):41-43
Author and Disclosure Information
Daniel G. Hoernschemeyer, MD, David L. Skaggs, MD, and Mark Sucher, MD
Dr. Hoernschemeyer is Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
Dr. Skaggs is Associate Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Sucher is Resident, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California-Sacramento, Sacramento, California.
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.