Evoked potential as an adjuvant predictive tool for neurological deficit in acetabular and pelvic ring injuries: A meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesTo identify the value of the evoked potential as an adjuvant predictive tool in pelvic ring and acetabulum fractures focusing on the neurological deficit. Material and methodsAdhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review with a priori design to identify randomized controlled trials, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, and case-control studies of interventions in acetabular and pelvic ring injuries. The search strategy included the use of Title/Abstract related to: (“somatosensory” or “evoked potential” or “electrophysiology”) and (“randomized controlled trials” or “clinical studies” or “controlled clinical trial” or “systematic literature review” or “meta-analysis” or “review” or “overview”) and (“complications”). From 01/1985 to 12/2019, we searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, reference lists and journals. The PRISMA checklist was adopted to evaluate reporting quality. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the probability of evoked potential tests performed on random samples, with the assumption of normal distribution of the populations from which they were derived and knowledge of the parametric variance. ResultsFive articles fulfilled eligibility criteria. ConclusionEvoked potential tests can quickly and accurately detect imminent neurological impairment during surgery of acetabular and pelvic ring injuries. This results in significantly better surgical outcomes, although in some cases the irreversible nature of the injury cannot be prevented.