GANGRENE

GANGRENE

Gangrene refers to the death of macroscopic portions of tissue, which turns black because of the breakdown of haemoglobin and the formation of iron sulphide. It usually a ff ects the most distal part of a limb because of arterial obstruction (from thrombosis, embolus or arteritis). Dry gangrene occurs when the tissues are desiccated by gradual slowing of the blood - stream; it is typically the result of atheromatous occlusion of arteries. Wet gangrene occurs when superadded infection and putrefaction are present. Crepitus may be palpated as a result of infection b y gas-forming organisms, commonly in diabetic foot problems, and should be considered a surgical emergency with urgent tissue debridement or amputation required.