rhizotomy
/raɪˈzɑtəmi/
noun
- A surgical procedure that cuts nerve roots in the spinal cord to relieve severe pain or muscle spasms.
- The patient underwent a rhizotomy to stop the chronic back pain.
- After the rhizotomy, she felt much less pain in her legs.
- Doctors sometimes recommend a rhizotomy for people with severe muscle stiffness.