[Intraoperative monitoring of nerve roots in spinal surgery].

INTRODUCTION

The use of intraoperative monitoring to determine the functional integrity of the nervous system has grown steadily over the last 15 years. The development of new instrumentation systems in spinal surgery and a greater incidence of complications have led to the need to introduce new methods of monitoring.

AIMS AND DEVELOPMENT: The purpose of this study is to analyse the neurophysiological techniques that are currently available and applied in order to prevent injury to nerve roots and the fibres of the cauda equina, to assess their indications and to determine their limitations, as well as the effects caused by anaesthesia.