American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What is the term for the dead bone resulting from bone infection?

1. Osteophyte

2. Sequestrum

3. Cortex

4. Callus

The correct answer is: Sequestrum

The term for dead bone resulting from a bone infection is known as sequestrum. When bone becomes infected, a condition called osteomyelitis may occur, leading to localized bone death. This necrotic bone can become separated from healthy bone tissue, and the term "sequestrum" refers specifically to that segment of dead bone that isolates itself during this process. Understanding this term is crucial in orthopedics because the presence of a sequestrum often indicates the severity of the infection and can influence treatment approaches, such as the need for surgical intervention to remove the dead tissue. In contrast, osteophytes refer to bone spurs that develop from degenerative joint disease, while the cortex is the outer layer of bone that provides strength. Callus refers to a mass of new bone tissue formed during the healing process of a fracture, which is unrelated to infections. Each of these terms has its specific context and implications in orthopedic practice.