Study design: A prospective review was done of a new intraoperative technique developed to detect and prevent neurologic compromise during pedicle screw insertion.
Objectives: To describe in sufficient detail the technique of persistently electrified pedicle stimulation instruments, so that this technique will be available generally to all clinical neurophysiologists and spine surgeons; and to demonstrate the use, typical results, interpretation, and protocol of the technique.
Summary and background data: Fusion techniques that use pedicle instrumentation have the potential to cause nerve root injury. Several authors have proposed imaging and neurophysiologic methods to improve outcome. The present method represents a significant theoretical departure and advance from previously reported methods.
Methods: All relevant instruments used during pedicle instrumentation were converted easily, inexpensively, and quickly into monopolar stimulators with appropriate stimulus voltages to identify broaches of pedicle bone via evoked-electromyograms from relevant muscle groups.
Results: The persistently electrified pedicle stimulation instrument technique provided accurate intraoperative neurophysiologic information concerning pedicle, integrity in the patients studied. The protocol is standardized and adaptable easily, inexpensively, and quickly to most clinical applications.
Conclusions: The persistently electrified pedicle stimulation instrument technique described here is useful for monitoring instrumented lumbar fusion procedures. The use of this protocol may help confirm intraosseous placement of pedicle screws and prevent neurologic injury.