Rhizotomy (Noun)
Meaning
Surgical procedure in which spinal nerve roots are cut; done (anterior roots) to relieve intractable pain or (posterior roots) to stop severe muscle spasms.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The doctor recommended a rhizotomy to alleviate the patient's chronic back pain that had not responded to other treatments.
- Spasticity in the child's legs was relieved after undergoing a selective dorsal rhizotomy to reduce muscle spasms.
- In some cases, a rhizotomy may be necessary to relieve severe pain that is resistant to medication and other interventions.
- The orthopedic team performed a selective posterior rhizotomy to help control muscle spasms in the patient's legs.
- A rhizotomy was considered as a last resort to treat the patient's intractable pain that had significantly impacted their quality of life.