Somatosensory evoked potential monitoring of the brachial plexus during a Woodward procedure for correction of Sprengel's deformity.

Sprengel's deformity is the most common congenital deformity of the shoulder. A known complication of correcting this deformity is brachial plexus palsy. In this study we used somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring during correction of a Sprengel's deformity and identified an early iatrogenic brachial plexus injury. The operation was modified, and permanent nerve injury was avoided. We recommend that SSEP monitoring be considered in procedures to correct Sprengel's deformity.