Development of Neuromonitoring Pedicle Screw - Results of Electrical Resistance and Neurophysiologic Test in Pig Model

Abstract

Objective To analyze the electrical resistance of a newly developed neuromonitoring pedicle screw (Neuro-PS) and to verify the electrophysiologic properties of the Neuro-PS in a pig model. Methods We developed 2 types of the Neuro-PS in which a gold lead was located internally (type I) and externally (type II). We measured the electrical resistance of the Neuro-PS and the conventional screw and analyzed the electrical thresholds of triggered EMG (t-EMG) of each screw by intentionally penetrating the medial pedicle wall and contacting the exiting nerve root in a pig model. Results The electrical resistances of the Neuro-PS were remarkably lower than that of the conventional screw. In electrophysiologic testing, only the type II Neuro-PS under the leadnerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold as compared to the conventional screw. Conclusion The Neuro-PS demonstrated lower electrical resistances than the conventional screw. The type II Neuro-PS under the lead-nerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold compared to that of the other screws in the t-EMG test.

Keywords

• electromyography
• electrical resistance
• gold lead
• neuromonitoring
• pedicle screw
• titanium alloy