Spinal Monitoring

Spinal Monitoring is a form of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) used during spinal surgery to assess the function of the spinal cord and nerve roots in real time. Detecting changes in nerve signals during the procedure helps surgical teams prevent permanent neurological injury and make safer intraoperative decisions.

At MediServices, we support spinal surgery across the UK through insourced theatre support and outsourced IONM delivery, working as a trusted partner to NHS surgical and theatre teams.

What Is Spinal Monitoring?

Spinal Monitoring involves using continuous electrical stimulation and recording to track the performance of the spinal cord and related nerve pathways throughout surgery. Common monitoring techniques include:

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs)
Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs)
Electromyography (EMG)

These tests are run in parallel during surgery and interpreted in real time by a trained neurophysiologist in close collaboration with the surgical and anaesthetic team.

When Is Spinal Monitoring Used?

Spinal Monitoring is often used in surgeries such as:

Scoliosis correction and spinal deformity surgery
Decompression and fusion procedures
Tumour resection near the spinal cord
Revisions or high-risk spinal instrumentation
Surgeries involving nerve root or cauda equina manipulation

It provides early warning of neurological compromise, allowing the surgical team to act before lasting injury occurs.

How We Deliver Spinal Monitoring

Insourced Support

Our neurophysiologists attend your hospital and integrate directly with your theatre team
You provide theatre access and scheduling; we bring staffing, equipment and documentation. All recording and reporting is electronic, with reports delivered within 24 – 48 hours after the surgical episode

Outsourced Service

We manage the full IONM process, including clinical staffing, equipment, stimulation and reporting
Best for NHS Trusts without dedicated neurophysiology capacity, or independent providers wishing to extend their services and manage variable volumes without employing an in-house team

All services are led or reviewed by a consultant neurophysiologist and documented according to NHS protocols.

Focused on Patient Safety

The goal of spinal monitoring is to protect patients from spinal cord or nerve damage that might otherwise go undetected during surgery.

Our team ensures that:

All recordings are clear and continuous throughout
Alerts are raised in real time
Data is captured, stored, and reported clearly post-operatively

Related Services

Cranial Monitoring

Why Choose MediServices?

Experienced IONM practitioners trained in spinal theatre environments

Consultant oversight and rapid reporting

Seamless integration with surgical and anaesthetic teams

Flexible delivery

Testimonials

“It was so convenient to have my ultrasound scan at a local GP surgery with easy free parking. The clinic was so well-organised and the sonographer and healthcare assistant were welcoming and reassuring. I would have no hesitation in going back, or recommending MediServices to my friends and family.”

K Fletcher | Ultrasound Patient, Nottinghamshire

“MediServices felt like part of our team. Clinically sound, professional and easy to work with. A seamless addition to our service.”

NHS Service Manager

“Working with MediServices Healthcare has been a pleasure. We have had an extremely successful relationship with them for the past three years, with MediServices providing EEG reporting for us… It has really felt like the MediServices consultants are part of the team! ”

Rachel Hutchings | Head of Clinical Neurophysiology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

“Your MediServices Neurophysiologist was in theatre doing the Spinal Cord Monitoring. I was extremely impressed with her skills and professionalism. My team and I would be very happy to have her monitor for us in the future.”

Mr Reynolds | Consultant Spinal Surgeon & Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

“We have found MediServices Healthcare to be very responsive. We value our relationship with their technical team and Dr Fowle very highly.”

Dr Eoin Young | Consultant Deputy Lead for ITU, Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust

“MediServices has been an invaluable partner… Their team is approachable, proactive, and responsive, going above and beyond to ensure their service fits our requirements while reducing waiting times and improving patient care.”

Rachel Hutchings | Head of Clinical Neurophysiology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

“We have worked with MediServices for over 12 months… Their professionalism and commitment have enabled us to maintain waiting times and provide patients with a first-rate service. They adapt to our needs with no fuss and always deliver a complete service.”

Stephanie Collins | Assistant Manager, Neurophysiology Department, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust