We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Sequestrum?

By Kathy Dowling
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,933
Share

Sequestrum is a bone disorder that occurs when a fragment of dead bone separates from living bone, usually as a consequence of injury or disease. The process by which the dead bone is cast off is called necrosis, and it results in the loss of tissue. Necrosis of bones takes place after a bone fragment dies and then separates. Although sequestrum causes separation of dead bone from living bone, dead bone often remains either partly encased or in close contact with newly formed bone, causing a sinus, or a narrow cavity.

There normally are 206 bones in the human body, all of which serve one or more of three main functions. Some bones, such as the skull and ribcage, function to form a protective barrier around certain structures and organs. Other bones, such as the spine, act to support weight and posture. Specific bones are also involved in movement. These include bones found in the feet, hips and hands.

Bone is not a permanent structure in the body. It is a living and dynamic organ that is constantly adapting to mechanical, chemical and external influences. It is the body’s largest store of calcium and phosphate — minerals that are vital to numerous bodily processes.

Like all other organs in the body, bones are susceptible to disease. Sequestrum is one of many bone disorders, and it is the death of a bone or cell resulting in tissue damage. This bone disorder can occur because of infections such as osteomyelitis or injuries such as bone fractures. Sequestrum takes place in localized regions of the body.

Necrosis is the secondary process to cell death, resulting in tissue loss. This process is commonly a consequence of traumatic injury, bacterial infections or a condition called ischemia. The term "ischemia" refers to bloodlessness or a lack of circulation to a particular part of the body. Bloodlessness can occur as a result of a spasm, contraction or blocking of the arteries, also known as thrombosis.

It usually is about 12 hours after the death of a bone or cell body that tissue damage or necrosis begins to occur. In these earliest stages, there are no symptoms. When symptoms do begin, they usually appear in the form of pain, decreased movement and the possible development of gangrene as a consequence of decreased blood supply. Damage to tissue is permanent, and treatment is used to prevent further bone loss and tissue death, rather than to cure the condition entirely.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-sequestrum.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.