The use of somatosensory evoked potential during revision or reoperation for total hip arthroplasty.

Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) was used to continuously monitor the sciatic nerve intraoperatively during revision or reoperation for total hip arthroplasty. Of 25 cases monitored, eight patients (32%) exhibited 12 instances of SSEP deterioration, indicating neurologic compromise. These neurologic problems were due to retraction in seven cases and limb positioning in five. No postoperative neurologic deficits were noted in this group. Two of 35 patients (5.7%) not monitored had postoperative neurologic deficits. SSEP monitoring is a useful method for minimizing the intraoperative risks of clinical neurologic deficits during revisions or difficult reoperations.