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osteonecrosis

osteonecrosis

1 9.7
Bone that dies because it does not get enough blood
  • noun
  • /ˌɑːstɪoʊnəˈkroʊsɪs/
  • Specialized
: osteonecrosis
  • If detected early, osteonecrosis can sometimes be treated with medication to improve blood flow to the affected area.

Examples

  • Before radiation, patients should see a dentist: radiation in the setting of periodontal disease can result in osteonecrosis.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Thank you for your comments, and I am fully aware of the process of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis, but you still haven't shared with us what you, as a specialist, would do to prevent osteonecrosis from occurring in this instance.

    Blog text (32)
  • Providers should inform patients and their families of the significant risk for osteonecrosis at the time of injury and at each follow-up appointment.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The GP dentist needs to be familiar with the protocols for treatment of these patients to minimize the risk of osteonecrosis.

    Blog text (32)
  • However, providers must realize that there is a risk of nonunion and osteonecrosis with these fractures.

    Academic text (2006)
  • In general, older children with type I and II femoral neck fractures that are significantly displaced are at the highest risk for developing osteonecrosis.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Thank you for your comments, and I am fully aware of the process of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis, but you still haven't shared with us what you, as a specialist, would do to prevent osteonecrosis from occurring in this instance.

    Blog text (32)
  • Two of those patients were excluded because they had a diagnosis of posttraumatic arthritis and osteonecrosis, leaving 25 knees in 13 patients with a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Patients suffering from osteonecrosis often experience severe pain due to the lack of blood supply to the bone.

  • The onset of osteonecrosis is frequently associated with conditions that decrease blood circulation, such as certain medications or trauma.

Surface Forms

osteonecrosis singular
osteonecroses plural

Morphology

osteonecrosis = necrosis (transparent) = osteo + necrosis + osteo

The combining form 'osteo-' (bone) attached to 'necrosis' (tissue death) yields the literal medical meaning 'death of bone tissue', a direct compositional relation though technical.

Etymology

The word osteonecrosis comes from Greek parts: osteo- meaning 'bone' and -necrosis meaning 'death'. So it literally means 'dead bone', which helps you remember it is a condition where bone tissue dies because it does not get enough blood.