Tertiary sequestrum is a medical term used to describe the isolated piece of dead bone that has been separated from a larger bony structure. The word is spelled as /ˈtɜrʃəri sɪˈkwɛstrəm/ phonetically. The term "tertiary" refers to the stage of the healing process when the sequestrum is formed. The word "sequestrum" is derived from Latin and means "that which is laid aside". It’s imperative to spell this word accurately as it’s used in medical contexts to diagnose and treat conditions like osteomyelitis.
Tertiary sequestrum refers to a condition primarily seen in osteomyelitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the bone. The term "tertiary" implies that it occurs in the later stages of the disease process. A sequestrum, on the other hand, is a piece of devitalized or dead bone that is separated from the healthy bone during the inflammatory response.
In osteomyelitis, the infection spreads to the bone, leading to the destruction of bone tissue. During this process, a sequestrum may form as a result of the body's attempt to isolate the infected area. Initially, the infection causes an inflammation, which can lead to the formation of pus-filled cavities known as abscesses. Eventually, the bone becomes necrotic or dead, and small fragments may become isolated.
A tertiary sequestrum specifically refers to a sequestrum that forms later in the disease process, usually after previous attempts to treat the infection have been unsuccessful. In some cases, the condition may result in the formation of multiple sequestra.
The presence of a tertiary sequestrum can delay the healing process, as the dead bone acts as a persistent focus of infection. Treatment for tertiary sequestrum may involve surgical intervention to remove the necrotic bone and promote healing. Antibiotics or other antimicrobial therapy may also be necessary to combat the infection.
One firmly attached to the surrounding bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "tertiary sequestrum" is a combination of two words: "tertiary" and "sequestrum".
The word "tertiary" derives from the Latin word "tertiarius", which means "third". In medical terminology, "tertiary" is used to describe the third or final stage of a particular condition or disease.
The term "sequestrum" comes from the Latin word "sequestrum", which means "something that is set apart". In medicine, a sequestrum refers to a piece of dead or necrotic bone that becomes separated from the healthy bone tissue.
When combined, "tertiary sequestrum" refers to the third or final stage of necrotic bone separation or dead bone fragment within the body.