Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring: focus on cervical myelopathy and related issues.
BACKGROUND
The use of neurophysiologic monitoring during surgical procedures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is controversial.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to review the literature regarding various monitoring techniques as applied to the patient with CSM.


METHODS
A systematic literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurophysiologic monitoring is a diagnostic tool for assessment of neurologic function during cervical spine surgery. Recording of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials (tceMEPs), and electromyograms (EMGs) may be useful as these monitoring modalities provide complementary information.
Devlin
Vincent J
VJ
Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, M.C. 21-30, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, USA. vjdevlin@geisinger.edu
Anderson
Paul A
PA
Schwartz
Daniel M
DM
Vaughan
Robin
R
D000777:Anesthetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004576:Electromyography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*
D000777:Anesthetics