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Sequestrectomy — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardBone & Joint InfectionSequestrectomySCE Infectious Diseases

Chronic osteomyelitis persists around a radiologically defined sequestrum despite active antibiotics. Which operative principle is central to cure?

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Correct answer: A — Remove the sequestrum and debride infected non-viable bone

The best answer is “Remove the sequestrum and debride infected non-viable bone”. A sequestrum lacks perfusion, shelters biofilm and cannot be sterilised reliably by systemic antibiotics; culture-directed therapy complements rather than substitutes for adequate debridement. Deep surgical infection needs microbiological diagnosis and source control; retained necrotic tissue or infected prosthetic material limits antimicrobial cure.

Reference: NICE NG125: surgical site infections: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng125/chapter/Recommendations