Patent ID: 7991463
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, said second aspect separated from said first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve, said system comprising: a stimulator configured to generate an electrical stimulus to be applied to said first aspect of said bone; a monitor configured to electrically monitor a muscle myotome associated with said spinal nerve to detect if a neuro-muscular response greater than a predetermined minimum amplitude occurs in response to the application of said electrical stimulus to said first aspect of said bone; a processor controlled adjuster configured to automatically increase the magnitude of the electrical stimulus generated by said stimulator in a step-by-step staircase fashion until said neuro-muscular response of greater than a predetermined minimum amplitude is detected; and a communicator configured to display, in response to said monitor detecting said neuro-mucular response, the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused said neuro-muscular response of greater than a predetermined minimum amplitude.