Intraoperative sonography in spinal trauma.

Intraoperative spinal sonography (IOSS) was performed in 39 spinal trauma patients. IOSS was used to detect and assess the significance of bone fragments and spinal malalignment, cord or thecal sac compression, foreign bodies, and the late complications of spinal trauma, namely post-traumatic intramedullary and subarachnoid cysts. IOSS was also used to evaluate the efficacy of reduction of vertebral fractures, guide the shunting of cysts, and differentiate myelomalacia from intramedullary cysts, thus avoiding unnecessary exploration of the spinal cord. IOSS is a safe and simple procedure that can alter surgical management. The use of IOSS during surgery performed for spinal trauma and its complications is recommended.