Monitoring LFCN damage during scoliosis surgery

Material and methods Three pressure mats (FSA, Vista Medical, Winnipeg) were placed on the Jackson frame before positioning the patient. Data was continuously recorded during surgery and the average and maximum pressures on the chest, left and right hip/thigh region was calculated (Figure 1). The LFCN SSEP was tested by stimulating the anterolateral thigh and recording the evoked potentials over the somatosensory cortex. An increase in latency and/or decrease in SSEP amplitude may be indicative of LFCN dysfunction. At present, data on five patients was recorded. Post-operative evaluation of the front of the iliac crests is performed and the appearance of redness (Figure 2), blisters or pressure sores are documented. Additionally, after surgery, the patients were asked if they feel any numbness on the front of the thighs and manual tests for sensation were performed every day until discharge.