No abstract

Bite injuries associated with transcranial electric stimulation are an uncommon but disturbing complication of TcMEP monitoring occurring with an incidence of 0.63% (95% confidence interval: 0.52%-0.76%), the most severe of which requiring sutures at an incidence of 0.14% (95% confidence interval: 0.09%-0.21%). Injuries of the tongue occur approximately 4 times as frequently as injuries of the lip. Despite placement of bite blocks, shifting of the bite block during stimulation or positioning is a possible cause of failure. High-intensity transcranial stimulation may increase the risk of bite injuries. We suggest consistent use of properly sized and secured bite blocks with periodic inspection to minimize risk of bite injuries. Future study is needed to determine optimal bite block configuration.

No abstract

Needle-stick exposure from subdermal needle electrodes during IONM is an infrequent but distressing event occurring in 0.34% of our study group and was not limited to the IONM technologist. Although no infections occurred as a result of needle-stick exposure in this study, steps to minimize needle sticks should be taken during IONM.

IONM provides data that causes re-evaluation in about 10% of pediatric spinal deformity cases.