sequestrectomy

sequestrectomy

A surgeon performs a sequestrectomy to remove a dead bone fragment.

Definition

Noun (Medical) - Surgical removal of a sequestrum: "sequestrectomy" refers to a surgical procedure to remove a sequestrum, which is a piece of dead bone that has become separated from healthy bone, often due to infection or necrosis.

Usage Examples
  • (A surgical removal of dead bone tissue.)
  • (The procedure to extract the sequestrum was performed.)
  • (The surgery addresses persistent bone infection.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Sequestrectomy with curettage": a procedure where the sequestrum is removed and the surrounding bone is scraped clean.

    • The surgeon performed a sequestrectomy with curettage to ensure all infected material was removed. (The removal of dead bone plus scraping of the area.)
  • "Open sequestrectomy": a surgical approach where the site is fully exposed to remove the sequestrum.

    • An open sequestrectomy was required due to the size of the sequestrum. (A more invasive technique to access the dead bone.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Sequestrum (n): a piece of dead bone that has separated from healthy bone.
    • The X-ray showed a small sequestrum in the tibia. (A fragment of necrotic bone.)
  • Sequestrotomy (n): an alternative term for sequestrectomy, though less common.
    • The surgeon documented a sequestrotomy in the patient's chart. (Synonymous with sequestrectomy.)
  • Sequestration (n): the process of forming a sequestrum.
    • Bone sequestration can occur after severe infection. (The development of dead bone fragments.)
Synonyms
  • Bone sequestrum removal: a descriptive phrase for the procedure.
  • Necrosectomy: surgical removal of dead tissue (broader term, not specific to bone).
Related Idioms
  • "Cut out the dead weight": an informal phrase meaning to remove something useless or harmful, analogous to sequestrectomy.
    • In business, we had to cut out the dead weight to survive. (Remove unproductive elements, similar to removing dead bone.)
Note

Sequestrectomy is a highly specialized medical term used primarily in orthopedics and surgery. It is not commonly used in everyday language.