Dr. Haishi Zhang Outlines Vision for Orthopedic Electrophysiology Training Group

Advancing specialized IONM education, standardized clinical practices, and international academic collaboration.

During a special interview for the 2026 International Orthopedic Surgery Live Week, Dr. Haishi Zhang, from the Department of Spine Surgery at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital and the National Orthopedic Medical Center, shared his vision for the development of orthopedic electrophysiology training.

As an initiator of the proposed Orthopedic Electrophysiology Training Group, Dr. Zhang discussed the growing importance of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), the challenges facing clinical training, and plans to establish a more practical and specialized education platform for orthopedic professionals.

Why Orthopedic Electrophysiology Training Matters

As orthopedic surgery continues to advance toward greater precision and minimally invasive techniques, protecting neurological function has become increasingly important.

IONM techniques, including somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and electromyography (EMG), provide real-time neurological feedback during complex spine and peripheral nerve procedures.

However, Dr. Zhang noted that significant challenges remain, including uneven technical capabilities across hospitals, limited availability of trained professionals, and insufficient standardization of monitoring procedures.

He emphasized the need for specialized, practice-oriented training tailored to orthopedic surgery, enabling clinicians to apply neurophysiological monitoring more effectively in everyday clinical practice.

A New Initiative for Practical IONM Education

To address these challenges, Dr. Zhang and his colleagues plan to establish the Orthopedic Electrophysiology Training Group, bringing together experts in spine surgery, orthopedic subspecialties, and clinical neurophysiology.

The proposed training program will focus on four key areas:

• Practical Skills: Hands-on experience with monitoring techniques and equipment

• Standardized Procedures: Electrode placement, signal interpretation, and responses to monitoring alerts

• Clinical Applications: Case-based learning for spine surgery, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), and peripheral nerve procedures

• Flexible Learning: A combination of online education, in-person workshops, and surgical demonstrations

The group also plans to offer both long-term practical training and shorter intensive courses to accommodate different learning needs.

Beyond education, the initiative aims to contribute to the development of expert consensus and standardized practices in orthopedic electrophysiology.

Looking Ahead: From Clinical Training to International Exchange

The group is scheduled to hold its establishment ceremony on November 21, 2026, in Shanghai, alongside its inaugural training program and surgical demonstrations.

Looking further ahead, Dr. Zhang hopes to strengthen international academic exchange through platforms such as the International Orthopedic Surgery Live Week, sharing clinical experience and promoting collaboration among orthopedic professionals worldwide.

The long-term vision is to make specialized electrophysiology training more accessible, practical, and standardized, supporting safer surgical practices and improved patient care.