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A facet rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or destroying the nerve roots that supply the facet joints in the spine. The facet joints are small joints that help to stabilize and support the spine, and they can become painful if they become inflamed or damaged.
The purpose of a facet rhizotomy is to relieve pain and improve mobility by interrupting the pain signals that are transmitted through the nerve roots. This procedure is typically used to treat chronic back pain that has not responded to other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy or medications. It is usually performed using a local anesthetic and is done on an outpatient basis.
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