Necrosis

Necrosis, the death of a portion of bone due to inflammation with stoppage of blood supply, or to injury. If a superficially lying portion of the bone dies and becomes separated from the living bone beneath, it is said to exfoliate. In some instances the dead portion becomes enclosed in new bony growth, so that the dead piece (sequestrum, as it is called) lies in a cavity of living osseous tissue. In some cases almost the whole of one of the long bones may become necrosed. A peculiar form of necrosis, now rarely seen, is that which affects the lower jaw in those who are engaged in working in phosphorus. It was formerly common among the makers of lucifer-matches. The treatment of necrosis consists in supporting the strength of the patient during such time as is occupied in the separation of the dead from the living bone. In some cases the operation known as sequestrotomy is necessary to affect the removal of the sequestrum. In those instances where a large portion of bone is necrosed, and where high fever is present, and a septic condition is set up, amputation may be deemed necessary.