Journal of spinal disorders
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The importance of spinal cord monitoring during corrective scoliosis surgery is widely acknowledged. However, for patients with preoperative neurologic deficits, its use is technically difficult. ⋯ In each patient, eight muscle groups were recorded and stable responses were obtained in all patients. We conclude that TCE-MEP permits monitoring of the spinal cord in patients with disturbed motor function.
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During a 7-year period, a consecutive retrospective series of 89 trauma patients at a Level One trauma center who had negative standard radiographs with suspected occult cervical injury were administered a cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The MRI studies were fully able to assess the ligamentous status of the cervical spine in all patients and were the final step in determining the treatment of the spine. ⋯ Two patients underwent surgery because of the findings on the MRI study. MRI studies of patients with negative standard radiographs but with suspected occult cervical injury are excellent and safe studies for the evaluation of cervical spinal stability because of their ability to detect ligamentous injuries that are not evident on plain radiographs.