Selective rhizotomies for spinal root pain and neuralgia of the inguinal region

Summary Our recent experience stimulated a review of selective rhizotomies for the alleviation of localized pain. Three patients with postoperative neuralgia in the inguinal region and two with neoplastic root compression were treated. Results were good and long-lasting in two cases, moderate in two and poor in one case. The relief appeared to be better, the more clearly the pain was localized. In lesions distal to the spinal root it is necessary to undertake selective paravertebral root blocks with local anaesthetics. Experimental data are discussed that help in an understanding of pain recurrence after rhizotomy.