STUDY DESIGN: Nerve root stimulation thresholds were studied relative to the level of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. OBJECTIVES: To determine what levels of intraoperative neuromuscular blockade can be used during pedicle screw stimulation. BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies of intraoperative pedicle screw stimulation thresholds have failed to determine the effect of neuromuscular blockade on the stimulation threshold. METHODS: Twenty-one roots in 10 patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery were studied at different levels of neuromuscular blockade. Ninety-five nerve root thresholds were determined relative to level of blockade. RESULTS: Neuromuscular blockade below 80% provides nerve root thresholds similar to thresholds without blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular blockade should be less than 80% when using pedicle screw electrical stimulation testing.
STUDY DESIGN: Nerve root stimulation thresholds were studied relative to the level of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. OBJECTIVES: To determine what levels of intraoperative neuromuscular blockade can be used during pedicle screw stimulation. BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies of intraoperative pedicle screw stimulation thresholds have failed to determine the effect of neuromuscular blockade on the stimulation threshold. METHODS: Twenty-one roots in 10 patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery were studied at different levels of neuromuscular blockade. Ninety-five nerve root thresholds were determined relative to level of blockade. RESULTS: Neuromuscular blockade below 80% provides nerve root thresholds similar to thresholds without blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular blockade should be less than 80% when using pedicle screw electrical stimulation testing.