title: Somatosensory evoked potentials for orthopaedic spine trauma.
abstract: Monitoring somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) for intraoperative assessment of spinal cord activity provides a reliable and valid measure of sensory function during manipulation of structures placing cord function at risk. We describe a multichannel technique with artifact reductions that has proved successful in 415 spine cases including 146 posttraumatic injuries. Accurate prediction of sensory function in near or at 100% of cases is possible. No patient has recovered with less than the predicted sensory function. Statistics and cases are presented. A professional-level consultant role for SSEP monitoring is suggested as necessary for valid use of the technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*