In chronic osteomyelitis, what is a sequestrum?

In chronic osteomyelitis, a sequestrum refers to a piece of dead bone tissue that has become separated from the living bone. This occurs due to infection that compromises the blood supply to certain areas of the bone, leading to necrosis. The sequestrum can act as a persistent focus of infection in the bone, and its presence may complicate treatment, as it needs to be removed to facilitate healing.

The formation of a sequestrum is a critical aspect of chronic osteomyelitis, as it signifies the severity and persistence of the condition, demonstrating how the body's response to infection can result in significant and detrimental changes to the structure of the bone. Proper management often requires surgical intervention to remove these necrotic areas to prevent further complications and promote healing.