Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring allows for assessment of the spinal cord and susceptible structures during complex spinal surgery. It is well validated for the detection of potential neurological injury but little is known of surgeon's responses to an abnormal trace and its effect on neurological outcome. We aimed to investigate this in spinal deformity patients who are particularly vulnerable during their corrective surgery. Our institutional neurophysiology database was analysed between 1st October 2005 and 31st March 2010. Monitoring was performed by a team of trained neurophysiology technicians who were separate from the surgical team. A significant trace was defined as a 50% reduction in trace amplitude or a 10% increase in signal latency. Patients suffering a significant trace event were examined post-operatively by a Consultant Neurologist who was separate from the surgical team.Introduction
Methods
Evidence suggests that intra-operative spinal cord monitoring is sensitive and specific for detecting potential neurological injury. However, little is known about surgeons' responses to trace changes and the resultant neurological outcome. To examine the role of intra-operative somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring in the prevention of neurological injury, specifically sensitivity and specificity, and whether the abnormalities were reversible.Introduction
Objective
