Application of evoked potential monitoring in spinal surgery

Objective Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring is gaining a wider application in spinal surgery.The present article is to explore the application value of somatosensory evoked potential(SEP) and motor evoked potential(MEP) in spinal surgery.Methods We employed both SEP and MEP for dynamic monitoring of 7 cases of spinal surgery,and adopted SEP alone for another 3.Results SEP was successfully induced and recorded in all the cases,while MEP only in 3 cases.Compared with preoperative forewarning potential,the wave amplitude of SEP was decreased during intraoperative monitoring in 2 cases,but restored to normal after the operation was stopped or the surgical methods adjusted.One case showed obviously improved symptoms after surgery though with an increased wave amplitude of SEP during intraoperative monitoring.No significant changes were observed in either amplitude or latency of the wave in the 3 cases with MEP recorded.Conclusion Evoked potential monitoring,especially with combined SEP and MEP during spinal surgery,can effectively reduce mechanical damage to nerves,increase the success rate of resection,and raise the confidence of the surgeons.