Reversible ischemic myelopathy during scoliosis surgery: a possible role for intravenous lidocaine.

An unusual and previously unreported case of partially reversible ischemic myelopathy after limited unilateral segmental vessel ligation during scoliosis surgery is described. Intravenous lidocaine, used intraoperatively for its vasoactive properties, induced an immediate and meaningful recovery of neurologic function. The conceptual and pharmacologic basis for this intervention is discussed in view of this exceedingly rare complication of segmental vessel ligation.