Abstract

Sciatic nerve palsy is an uncommon complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) but can cause permanent functional impairment in the extremity. The goal of this study was to identify specific intraoperative maneuvers that may increase the risk of sciatic nerve injury during revision THA. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were used in combination with electromyography (EMG) monitoring during revision THA in 27 consecutive patients to identify intraoperative events that cause conduction abnormalities through the sciatic and peroneal nerves. MEP monitoring required general anesthesia and a neurophysiologist in the operating room throughout the procedure. Significant electrical events occurred, most commonly during acetabular reconstruction. Hip flexion should be avoided during posterior acetabular retraction when using the posterior approach with posterior dislocation. The position of the sciatic nerve should be clearly identified when complex structural acetabular augmentation with allograft is performed during revision THA. MEP monitoring was used as a research tool for this study. However, we do not use MEP monitoring in our revision THA clinical practice. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.