How Do You Spell SEQUESTRUM?

Pronunciation: [sˈiːkwɛstɹəm] (IPA)

Sequestrum is a medical term that refers to a fragment of necrotic bone tissue that has separated from healthy bones. The word "sequestrum" is pronounced /sɪˈkwɛstrəm/ and is spelled using the English alphabet. The IPA phonetic transcription helps explain the pronunciation patterns: the initial "s" is pronounced /s/ like in "snake," the "e" in the first syllable is pronounced /ɛ/ as it is in "bet," and the final syllable has the same schwa sound /əm/ as in the word "bottom."

SEQUESTRUM Meaning and Definition

1. A "sequestrum" is a medical term which refers to a piece of dead or necrotic bone that becomes separated or isolated from the surrounding healthy bone, typically as a result of chronic infection or disease. It commonly occurs in conditions such as osteomyelitis (an infection in the bone), where the bone tissue undergoes a process of decay, leading to the development of a sequestrum.

   The sequestrum can range in size from small fragments to larger, irregularly-shaped pieces of bone. It is usually characterized by being non-vital or devoid of blood supply, as the surrounding tissues often form a barrier that restricts normal blood flow to the affected area. This separation from the healthy bone allows the sequestrum to persist and serves as a means of defense for the body, preventing the spread of infection to other parts.

   Treatment for a sequestrum often involves surgical intervention, with the removal of the dead bone fragment being the primary aim. This procedure helps to promote healing, prevent further infection, and ultimately restore function to the affected area. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed to tackle any existing infections and facilitate the recovery process.

   Overall, a sequestrum is a pathological entity in which a piece of devitalized and necrotic bone becomes detached from the healthy bone due to chronic infection or disease, necessitating targeted medical intervention to restore bone health and prevent complications.

2. A piece of necrosed bone which has become separated from the surrounding healthy osseous tissue.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In surg., a dead portion of bone which separates from the sound part.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SEQUESTRUM

• sequesture
• Secquestrum
• Sequestorim

Etymology of SEQUESTRUM

The word "sequestrum" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It derives from the Latin verb "sequestrare", which means "to put in trust" or "to deposit". This verb is formed by combining the prefix "se", meaning "apart" or "away", and the verb "questrare", meaning "to claim" or "to take possession".

In the medical context, a sequestrum refers to a piece of dead bone that becomes separated from the healthy bone tissue and is gradually surrounded and replaced by new bone. The term was first used in English in the mid-17th century, directly borrowed from Latin.

Plural form of SEQUESTRUM is SEQUESTRA