rhizotomy

[ rahy-zot-uh-mee ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural rhi·zot·o·mies.

1. the surgical section or cutting of the spinal nerve roots, usually posterior or sensory roots, to eliminate pain.

rhizotomy

/ raɪˈzɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision into the roots of spinal nerves, esp for the relief of pain

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhizotomy¹

First recorded in 1910–15; rhizo- + -tomy

Example Sentences

Park, of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and the surgery for which he is known: the selective dorsal rhizotomy.

From Washington Times

In December, he had a rhizotomy procedure, “where they burn the nerves in your back,” he said.

From Golf Digest

The selective dorsal rhizotomy costs more than £11,000 and the youngster will need also need aftercare.

From BBC