Prognostic value of neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring in tethered cord syndrome surgery.
Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring is used in surgery for tethered cord syndrome. Our objective was to determine if neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring is helpful in identifying which patients will have worsening symptoms after surgery. The spinal cord was stimulated before and after untethering until a motor response was obtained. The pre- and postoperative neurologic examination findings were noted. The motor response thresholds before and after untethering were compared using Student t tests. Forty patients were identified; 37 had higher motor response thresholds before untethering, whereas in three thresholds were higher after untethering. Of the 37 patients, two had worsening of motor function. All three patients with higher thresholds after untethering had worsening of motor function (P < 0.0001). An increase in the motor response threshold after surgical release of tethered cord syndrome indicates possible worsening of clinical symptoms. Spinal cord stimulation during tethered cord syndrome surgery may help predict neurologic outcome.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Young Adult
- Spinal Cord
- Prognosis
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Neural Tube Defects
- Monitoring, Intraoperative
- Middle Aged
- Infant
- Humans
- Electromyography
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Young Adult
- Spinal Cord
- Prognosis
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Neural Tube Defects
- Monitoring, Intraoperative
- Middle Aged
- Infant
- Humans
- Electromyography