If a pedicle screw tests above the accepted threshold, what should you do?

In the context of intraoperative monitoring, when a pedicle screw tests above the accepted threshold, the appropriate action is to communicate this finding to the surgical team. Informing the surgeon about the specific value that is considered acceptable for screw placement is crucial for patient safety. This ensures that the surgical team can assess the situation and make informed decisions about the screw’s placement or potential replacement.

Being transparent about intraoperative data allows the surgeon to evaluate the mechanical stability of the fixation. If the screw exceeds the threshold, it could indicate that the screw is not properly anchored or that it might pose a risk of loosening or failure, which could compromise surgical outcomes.

Reaction options like removing the screw or replacing it with a larger one may not address the immediate concern effectively, especially if the surgical team needs to discuss the implications and decide on the best course of action. Ignoring the reading would not uphold the standards of patient safety or effective monitoring practices, as it disregards critical intraoperative data that can impact the surgical outcome.