Electrodiagnostic testing and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring

Electrodiagnostic studies play an important role in the assessment of patients with neuromuscular disorders. Office-based testing consists primarily of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, whereas intraoperative testing and monitoring consists of somatosensory-evoked potentials, motor-evoked potentials, and spontaneous and triggered electromyography. It is helpful to be familiar with all forms of testing, including the indications and limitations of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography for suspected spine disorders, as well as the clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring.