Which term denotes an extruded disc fragment that has completely separated from the rest of the disc?

• A. Extrusion
• B. Bulge
• C. Sequestration
• D. Protrusion

Answer: (C)

Sequestration describes a piece of the disc that has broken away completely from the remaining disc material. In disc herniation terminology, a portion can bulge or protrude while still connected to the disc, or it can extrude through the annulus yet remain attached by a neck. When that extruded fragment becomes completely free, detached from the disc body and able to migrate, it’s called sequestration. This distinction matters because a fully separated fragment can move within the spinal canal and often presents differently on imaging and clinically.