What is a rhizotomy?

To: Cut the nerve: Rhizotomy literally means [nerve] 'root' (rhiz) 'cut' (otomy). The goal of a facet rhizotomy, either neck (cervical) rhizotomy or back (lumbar) is to provide pain relief by stopping the pain signals that the spine facet joints send to the brain. Patients undergo facet joint injections to verify the exact location of pain generator then an electrode is then placed/heated (radiofrequency ablation).

Rhizotomy: My understanding of a rhizotomy is that it is a neurosurgical procedure that may have some benefit if patients with spastic paralysis (for example cerebral palsy). Will refer this question on to our neurosurgical colleagues for more details.