sequestrum

[ si-kwes-truhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural se·ques·tra [si-, kwes, -tr, uh].

1. a fragment of bone that has become necrotic as a result of disease or injury and has separated from the normal bone structure.

sequestrum

/ sɪˈkwɛstrəm /

noun

1. pathol a detached piece of necrotic bone that often migrates to a wound, abscess, etc See sequester

Derived Forms

• seˈquestral, adjective

Other Words From

• se·questral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequestrum¹

1825–35; < New Latin; Medieval Latin: sequestrated property, derivative of Latin sequester; sequester

Word History and Origins

Origin of sequestrum¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin: something deposited;

Example Sentences

If the sequestrum be not loose we must wait until it is movable.

From Project Gutenberg

The term exfoliation is sometimes employed to indicate the separation or throwing off of a superficial sequestrum.

From Project Gutenberg

In cases attended with suppuration, the swelling is incised and drained, and if there is a sequestrum, it must be removed.

From Project Gutenberg

These procedures may be carried out at the same time as the sequestrum is removed, or after an interval.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the separated and displaced epiphysis dies and constitutes a sequestrum.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Sequestrum

What is a sequestrum?

A sequestrum is a fragment of dead bone or other tissue that has separated from healthy tissue as a result of injury or disease.

The proper plural of sequestrum is sequestra.

Sequestra often end up in a wound or abscess (a collection of pus). The surgical procedure involving the removal of a sequestrum is called a sequestrectomy.

Sequestra can occur in many different areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, feet, spine, and hips.

Example: The sequestrum is a bone fragment that was apparently chipped during a particularly forceful high-five.

Where does sequestrum come from?

The first records of the word sequestrum come from the 1800s. It comes from a Latin term meaning “something separated.”

Bits of bone or tissue that have separated from healthy tissue, such as through injury, are often described as necrotic, meaning that that portion of it is dead. Such sequestra can cause problems, including preventing proper healing of the affected area. They can sometimes be treated with medicine, but they often need to be removed through a sequestrectomy.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to sequestrum?

• sequestra (plural)
• sequestral (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with sequestrum? 

• sequestrectomy
• sequester

What are some words that often get used in discussing sequestrum?

 

• surgery
• procedure
• removal
• bone
• tissue
• fragment
• dead
• necrotic

 

How is sequestrum used in real life?

Sequestrum is a technical medical term.

Patient with arthrodesis 1 year ago. Reference physician suspects osteomyelitis. You can see in the MRI and CT a osseous sequestrum in the talus. pic.twitter.com/rMTYkpPpEs

— Alexeys Perez (@ARTRORM) July 6, 2019

Chronic osteomyelitis of the femoral shaft on XR. frontal and lateral view: sequestrum (yellow arrow) surrounded by dense bone (involucrum, circled); sinus tracts to skin (red arrows).#FOAMed #MSKRad #radres pic.twitter.com/4OMsU3OUYK

— Gopal Punjabi (@CtSpectral) August 7, 2020

I can literally see the sequestrum on the plain film. I'd do a sinugram, and then sequestrectomy. May want to saucerise the cavity too.

— Adji-doctor (@bonesmith_) January 10, 2020

 

 

Try using sequestrum!

Which of the following things is most likely to be considered a sequestrum?

A. appendix
B. bone fragment
C. tonsil
D. toenail