Reversible ischemic myelopathy during scoliosis surgery. A possible role for intravenous lidocaine

An unusual and previously unreported case of partially reversible ischemic myelopathy after limited unilateral segmental vessel ligation during scolio sis surgery is described. Intravenous lidocaine, used intraoperatively for its vasoactive properties, induced an immediate and meaningful recovery of neurologic function. The conceptual and pharmacologic basis for this interv ention is discussed in view of this exceedingly rare complication of segmen tal vessel ligation.