PHOSPHORUS NECROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Phosphorus necrosis, also known as phosphorus poisoning or phossy jaw, is a medical condition characterized by the death (necrosis) of bone tissue caused by exposure to elemental phosphorus. It predominantly affects the jawbone, but in severe cases, it can also involve other bones in the body.
Phosphorus necrosis occurs mainly in industrial settings where elemental phosphorus is used, such as matchstick factories, chemical plants, and fertilizer manufacturing facilities. It results from prolonged and repeated exposure to phosphorus vapors, fumes, or dust. Inhalation or ingestion of phosphorus compounds can also contribute to the development of this condition.
The toxic effects of phosphorus on bone tissue are well-documented. It can interfere with normal bone metabolism, leading to decreased blood supply to the affected bone (osteonecrosis) and subsequent bone death. As a result, the jawbone becomes exposed, infected, and eventually collapses, leading to severe pain, disfigurement, and disability.
Symptoms of phosphorus necrosis typically include jaw pain, facial swelling, gum ulcers, loosening of teeth, and the formation of pus. As the condition progresses, open non-healing wounds may develop, and the affected bone can become exposed to the external environment.
Treatment of phosphorous necrosis usually involves a combination of surgical debridement (removal of dead tissue), antibiotic therapy, and pain management. In more advanced cases, extensive jawbone reconstruction or even jaw removal (resection) may be necessary.
Prevention is crucial in managing phosphorus necrosis. This can be achieved through strict workplace safety measures, proper ventilation systems, personal protective equipment, and education about the dangers of phosphorus exposure.
Common Misspellings for PHOSPHORUS NECROSIS
- ohosphorus necrosis
- lhosphorus necrosis
- -hosphorus necrosis
- 0hosphorus necrosis
- pgosphorus necrosis
- pbosphorus necrosis
- pnosphorus necrosis
- pjosphorus necrosis
- puosphorus necrosis
- pyosphorus necrosis
- phisphorus necrosis
- phksphorus necrosis
- phlsphorus necrosis
- phpsphorus necrosis
- ph0sphorus necrosis
- ph9sphorus necrosis
- phoaphorus necrosis
- phozphorus necrosis
- phoxphorus necrosis
- phodphorus necrosis
Etymology of PHOSPHORUS NECROSIS
The term "Phosphorus Necrosis" is derived from the combination of the words "phosphorus" and "necrosis".
- "Phosphorus" refers to the chemical element with the atomic number 15 and symbol P. The word itself comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning "light-bringer", as phosphorus has the ability to emit a faint glow in the dark.
- "Necrosis" comes from the Greek word "nekrosis", which means "the state of being dead". Necrosis refers to the localized death of cells or tissues within a living organism.
When these words are combined, "Phosphorus Necrosis" refers to a condition or disease caused by the toxic effects of phosphorus on the body, resulting in necrosis (tissue death) in the affected areas.
