Concepts of surgical correction-segmental derotation and translation techniques

Current surgical tools and techniques allow for an unprecedented ability to correct even the most severe scoliotic deformities. The development of rigid segmental instrumentation devices (pedicle screw) has revolutionized the spine surgeon's capability to manipulate the spine and reduce its deformity. Rod rotation involves placing a preshaped rod in one or both sides of a curve and rotating it to achieve curve reduction. Rod translation comprises using specialized devices, such as a "persuader," to reduce a curve sequentially as vertebral segments are translated onto a rod maintained in normal position. Both maneuvers have become popularized to obtain triplanar correction using segmental instrumentation. In this article, the authors discuss and illustrate segmental derotation and translation techniques.