Using Triggered Electromyographic Threshold in the Intercostal Muscles to Evaluate the Accuracy of Upper Thoracic Pedicle Screw Placement (T3–T6)

Abstract

In this series, cortical violation is highly unlikely in patients whose stimulation threshold lies between 6 and 20 mA with values 60% to 65% decreased from the mean (98% negative predictive value). Although verification of screw placement should not depend solely on stimulation thresholds, pedicle screw stimulation provides rapid and useful intraoperative information on screw placement during procedures involving the use of thoracic pedicle screws.