What is a sequestrectomy?

A sequestrectomy is specifically defined as the surgical procedure involving the excision of a necrosed piece of bone, which is often referred to as a sequestrum. This type of surgery is typically performed to remove dead or infected bone tissue, which can result from conditions such as osteomyelitis or certain bone tumors. By removing this necrotic tissue, the procedure aims to promote healing of the surrounding healthy bone and to alleviate pain or infection.

Understanding the context of this procedure highlights its importance in orthopedic and surgical practices. Removing necrosed bone is crucial because dead tissue can inhibit recovery and lead to further complications. The successful excision of the sequestrum allows for healthier tissue to regenerate and can reduce the risk of ongoing infection.

On the other hand, procedures such as excising a joint capsule, realigning bones (which refers to osteotomy or reduction techniques), and methods of bone grafting do not specifically address the removal of necrosed bone tissue, hence they do not accurately represent the definition of sequestrectomy.