The application of somatosensory-evoked potentials in orthopedic spine surgery.

This review will report results and experience gained with intraoperative monitoring SSEP's (somatosensory-evoked potentials) during 61 operations on the spine for correction of scoliotic curvatures. The potentials were elicited by uni- or bilateral stimulation of the tibial nerve and recorded from the scalp. Four cases, in which we observed intraoperative or postoperative alterations in waveform or neurologic status, are described. The method is easily applicable, noninvasive, and can--in spite of its sensitivity to environmental influences--well provide information about the neurologic function of the spinal cord.