Intraoperative awakening for early recognition of possible neurologic sequelae during Harrington-rod spinal fusion

To permit early recognition of possible cord trauma due to spinal fusion with Harrington-rod instrumentation, 42 patients were awakened introperatively for testing voluntary motor function of the limbs. N2O-O2-curare and morphine were used for anesthesia in all patients. In 5 patients, who refused IV induction, halothane was given for induction only. Only 1 patient had any complaint referrable to being awakened intraoperatively. The awakening caused no displacement of Harrington rods in any patient. No neurologic sequelae were found.