rhizotomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “rhizotomy” mean?
A surgical procedure involving the cutting or destruction of a nerve root, typically to relieve pain or reduce muscle spasticity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure involving the cutting or destruction of a nerve root, typically to relieve pain or reduce muscle spasticity.
In neurosurgery, it refers specifically to the selective sectioning of spinal or cranial nerve roots, such as in a dorsal rhizotomy for spasticity in cerebral palsy or a trigeminal rhizotomy for facial pain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The procedure name is standardised internationally.
Connotations
Neutral medical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rhizotomy” in a Sentence
Patient + undergo + rhizotomySurgeon + perform + rhizotomy + on + patientRhizotomy + is indicated for + conditionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhizotomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The neurosurgeon will rhizotomise the affected nerve root.
- The procedure involves rhizotomising the dorsal rootlets.
American English
- The neurosurgeon will rhizotomize the affected nerve root.
- The procedure involves rhizotomizing the dorsal rootlets.
adverb
British English
- The nerve was treated rhizotomically.
- The procedure was performed rhizotomically via a small incision.
American English
- The nerve was treated rhizotomically.
- The procedure was performed rhizotomically via a small incision.
adjective
British English
- The rhizotomy patient showed marked improvement.
- We discussed the rhizotomy approach in detail.
American English
- The rhizotomy patient showed marked improvement.
- We discussed the rhizotomy approach in detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and neuroscience journals, textbooks, and conference presentations.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context; used in surgical notes, neurology reports, and discussions between medical professionals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rhizotomy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rhizotomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhizotomy”
- Misspelling: 'rizotomy', 'rhizatomy'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (RYE-zo-tomy) instead of the second (rye-ZOT-omy).
- Using it to refer to any nerve surgery.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised procedure performed for specific conditions like severe spasticity or trigeminal neuralgia when other treatments fail.
Yes, the cutting of the nerve root is typically irreversible, although in some cases nerve fibres can regenerate incompletely.
A rhizotomy specifically targets the nerve root close to the spinal cord or brainstem, while a neurectomy involves cutting a nerve more peripherally.
There is a risk, especially with motor roots, which is why selective procedures that spare motor function (like SDR) are meticulously planned and performed.
A surgical procedure involving the cutting or destruction of a nerve root, typically to relieve pain or reduce muscle spasticity.
Rhizotomy is usually technical/medical in register.
Rhizotomy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪˈzɒtəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪˈzɑːtəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'rhizo' as 'root' (like rhizome in plants) and '-tomy' as 'cutting' (as in anatomy). It's cutting a nerve root.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURGERY IS A PRECISE INTERVENTION (targeting the 'root' of the problem).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a rhizotomy?