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| '''Gangrene''' is the ] and subsequent decay of ]s caused by ]. It is most commonly the result of critically insufficient ] supply sometimes caused by an injury and subsequent contamination of the wound with bacteria. This condition is most common in the extremities. | '''Gangrene''' is the ] and subsequent decay of ]s caused by ], also known as tissue necrosis. It is most commonly the result of critically insufficient ] supply sometimes caused by an injury and subsequent contamination of the wound with bacteria. This condition is most common in the extremities. | ||
| One specific example of gangrene is so called ''diabetic foot'' that can be seen in long-standing complicated ]. It is caused by a combination of arterial ischemia, injury and poor healing that is rather common in diabetics. | One specific example of gangrene is so called ''diabetic foot'' that can be seen in long-standing complicated ]. It is caused by a combination of arterial ischemia, injury and poor healing that is rather common in diabetics. | ||
Revision as of 00:09, 26 March 2004
Gangrene is the death and subsequent decay of body tissues caused by infection, also known as tissue necrosis. It is most commonly the result of critically insufficient blood supply sometimes caused by an injury and subsequent contamination of the wound with bacteria. This condition is most common in the extremities.
One specific example of gangrene is so called diabetic foot that can be seen in long-standing complicated diabetes. It is caused by a combination of arterial ischemia, injury and poor healing that is rather common in diabetics.
Fly maggots were commonly used to treat wounds to prevent or stop gangrene, as they would only consume dead flesh. Their use died out after the introduction of antibiotics, however maggot treatment has regained some credibility in recent years and is sometimes employed in cases of chronic tissue necrosis.
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