Sequestrum Health Dictionary

The death and decay of body tissues caused by a de?ciency or cessation of the blood supply. There are two types: dry and moist. The former is a process of mummi?cation, with the blood supply of the affected area of tissue stopping and the tissue withering up. Moist gangrene is characterised by putrefactive tissue decay caused by bacterial infection. The dead part, when formed of soft tissues, is called a slough and, when part of a bone, is called a sequestrum.

Causes These include injury – especially that sustained in war – disease, FROSTBITE, severe burns, ATHEROMA in large blood vessels, and diseases such as DIABETES MELLITUS and RAYNAUD’S DISEASE. Gas gangrene is a form that occurs when injuries are infected with soil contaminated with gas-producing bacilli such as Clostridium welchii, which are found in well-cultivated ground.

Treatment Dry gangrene must be kept dry, and AMPUTATION of the dead tissue performed when a clear demarcation line with healthy tissue has formed. Wet gangrene requires urgent surgery and prompt use of appropriate antibiotics.... gangrene

The membrane surrounding a BONE. The periosteum carries blood vessels and nerves for the nutrition and development of the bone. When it is irritated, an increased deposit of bone takes place beneath it; if it is destroyed, the bone may cease to grow and a portion may die and separate as a sequestrum.... periosteum

An acute infective inflammation of the bone marrow by pyogenic bacteria – most commonly, Staphylococcus aureus. May take the form of a fistula (abnormal passage between the bone and the skin surface) which becomes a vent for elimination of blood and watery pus.

Infection is usually blood-born from dental abscess, tonsils, boil, or old wounds. Prompt modern hospital treatment is necessary to avoid thrombosis or necrosis of bone. Herbal medication can play a substantial supportive role. Differential diagnosis should exclude Infective Arthritis, Cellulitis, Rheumatic Fever, Leukaemia.

Symptoms. Affected bone painful and hot. Throbbing. Fever. Dehydration. Raised E.S.R. Severe general illness.

Treatment. Should enhance resistance as well as combat infection. Comfrey and Echinacea are principle remedies. Infected bone areas are not well supplied with blood, so oral antibiotics may not reach them; this is where topical herbal treatments can assist. Anti-bacterial drinks are available in the absence of conventional antibiotics.

To promote cell proliferation and callous formation: Comfrey root, Marigold, St John’s Wort, Arnica. (Madaus)

To stimulate connective tissue: Thuja.

Comfrey root. Potential benefit outweighs possible risk.

Teas. Nettles. Plantain. Silverweed, Yarrow. Boneset. Marigold petals. St John’s Wort. Comfrey leaves. Singly or in combination. Abundant drinks during the day.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Comfrey 1; Myrrh half; Thuja quarter. Dose – Liquid extracts: 2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-3 teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Three or more times daily in water or honey.

Madaus: Tardolyt. Birthwort: a sodium salt of aristolochic acid.

Maria Treben: Yarrow and Fenugreek tea. Half cup Yarrow tea 4 times daily. To two of such cups, add half a teaspoon ground Fenugreek seeds.

Dr Finlay Ellingwood: Liquid Extract Echinacea 20-30 drops in water four times daily. And: Liquid Extract Lobelia 20-30 drops in water twice daily. Calcium Lactate tablets.

Topical. Comfrey root poultices to facilitate removal of pus, and to heal.

Diet. No solids. Fruit and milk diet for 5 days, followed by lacto-vegetarian diet. Herb teas as above. Plenty of water to combat dehydration.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B12 (50mcg), C (3g), D (500iu), E (1000iu). Calcium (1000-1500mg) taken as calcium lactate, Zinc.

General. Regulate bowels. Surgical treatment in a modern hospital necessary for removal of dead bone (sequestrum) and for adequate nursing facilities.

Treatment by a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... osteomyelitis

n. 1. the formation of a fragment of dead bone (see sequestrum) and its separation from the surrounding tissue. 2. (in development) a separated part of an organ; a developmental anomaly.... sequestration

n. surgical removal of a *sequestrum.... sequestrectomy