Summary
The evoked spinal cord potential elicited by direct stimulation of the cord has been used clinically to monitor cord function in the course of operations on the spine. The technique used allows measurement of a relatively large amplitude of potential, which is fairly stable against anaesthetics and related drugs, by means of a simple recording system and is sensitive enough to indicate cord damage. Continuous monitoring can easily be carried out. We have encountered no complications when using this method on 99 patients.
Résumé
Le potentiel évoqué provoqué par la stimulation directe de la moelle épinière a été utilisé en clinique pour contrôler la fonction de la moelle lors des interventions sur le rachis. Cette technique permet de mesurer une assez grande amplitude de potentiel, qui est relativement stable à l'égard des anesthésiques et d'autres drogues de même type, grâce à un système simple d'enregistrement; il est suffisamment sensible pour détecter des altérations de la moelle. Une surveillance continue peut aisément être effectuée. Aucun incident n'a été rencontré chez 99 malades lors de l'utilisation de cette méthode.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Engler, G. E., Spielholz, M. I., Bernhard, W. N., Danziger, F., Merkin, H., Wolf, T.: Somatosensory evoked potentials during Harrington instrumentation for scoliosis, J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 60, 528–532 (1978)
Kurokawa, T.: Spinal cord action potentials evoked by epidural stimulation of cord — A report of human and animal record. Jpn. J. Electroencephalogr. Electromyogr. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1, 64 (1972)
Hall, J. E., Levine, C. R., Sudhir, K. G.: Intraoperative awaking to monitor spinal cord function during Harrington instrumentation and spine fusion. J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 60, 533–536 (1978)
Imai, T.: Human electrospinogram evoked by direct stimulation on the spinal cord through epidural space. J. Jpn. Orthop. Ass. 50, 1037–1056 (1976)
MacEwen, G. D., Bunnell, W. P., Sriram, K.: Acute neurological complications in the treatment of scoliosis. J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 57, 404–408 (1975)
Nash, C. L., Jr., Brodkey, J. S., Croft, T. J.: A model for electrical monitoring of spinal cord function in scoliosis patients undergoing correction. J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 54, 197–198 (1972)
Nash, C. L., Jr., Schatzinger, L., Lorig, R.: Intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord function during scoliosis spine surgery. J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 56, 1765 (1974)
Nash, C. L., Jr., Lorig, R. A., Schatzinger, L. A., Brown, R. H.: Spinal cord monitoring during operative treatment of the spine. Clin. Orthop. 126, 100–105 (1977)
Ponte, A.: Postoperative paraplegia due to hypercorrection of scoliosis and drop of blood pressure. J. Bone Joint Surg. [Am.] 56, 444 (1974)
Tamaki, T., Yamashita, T., Kobayashi, H., Hirayama, H.: Spinal cord monitoring. Jpn. J. Electroencephalogr. Electromyogr. 1, 196 (1972)
Tsuyama, N., Tsuzuki, N., Kurokawa, T., Imai, T.: Clinical application of spinal cord action potential measurement. Int. Orthop. (SICOT) 2, 39–46 (1978)
Vauzelle, C., Stagnara, P., Jouvinroux, P.: Functional monitoring of spinal cord activity during spinal surgery. Clin. Orthop. 93, 173–178 (1973)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tamaki, T., Tsuji, H., Inoue, Si. et al. The prevention of iatrogenic spinal cord injury utilizing the evoked spinal cord potential. International Orthopaedics 4, 313–317 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00266075
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00266075