Spinal rhizotomy

George Rappard, MD

Rhizotomy refers to the targeted and purposefull destruction of nerves that cause painful sensation of degenerated spinal joints. When the painful joints are identified they are temporarily anesthetized, to confirm that they are the cause of pain. Once the causal joints are identified a rhizotomy may be carried out to destroy the nerves carrying painful impulses. Rhizotomies are carried out in two ways. Most commonly, a needle is placed through the skin to the location of the nerve. The needle transmits heat and the nerve is burned. In some cases, an endoscope, or small camera, can be passed through a small incision. The nerve is visualized and cut. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and sedation and is not commonly painful.

> Back to Procedures