PHOSSY JAW Meaning and
Definition
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Phossy jaw refers to a severe and debilitating occupational disease known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw. It is characterized by the progressive decay and disintegration of the jawbone due to exposure to white phosphorus, a highly toxic chemical element.
The primary cause of phossy jaw is prolonged exposure to white phosphorus, which was commonly used in the manufacture of matches, fireworks, and other industrial applications during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The poisonous nature of white phosphorus, combined with inadequate workplace safety regulations and poor ventilation systems, led to its harmful effects on workers.
The initial symptoms of phossy jaw include persistent pain, swelling, and aching in the jawbone, accompanied by difficulty in eating, speaking, and opening the mouth. As the condition progresses, the affected bone starts to degrade, causing the jaw to become fragile, disfigured, and prone to infections. Additionally, foul-smelling discharge may be present, and gums might recede, exposing the decaying bone.
Before the recognition of the dangers of white phosphorus, the only treatment for phossy jaw involved invasive and often unsuccessful surgeries to remove the diseased bone. Amputation of the affected mandible was sometimes necessary to alleviate pain and prevent the infection from spreading. The disease led to immense suffering and lifelong disabilities for those inflicted.
Today, phossy jaw is virtually eradicated due to strict regulations and the ban on white phosphorus in many countries. Improved workplace safety measures and a greater understanding of occupational hazards have significantly reduced cases of this debilitating condition.
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• Necrosis of the alveolar process of a jaw caused by phosphorus poisoning.
• Necrosis of the jaw from phosphorus poisoning.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHOSSY JAW
- ohossy jaw
- lhossy jaw
- -hossy jaw
- 0hossy jaw
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- pnossy jaw
- pjossy jaw
- puossy jaw
- pyossy jaw
- phissy jaw
- phkssy jaw
- phlssy jaw
- phpssy jaw
- ph0ssy jaw
- ph9ssy jaw
- phoasy jaw
- phozsy jaw
- phoxsy jaw
- phodsy jaw
Etymology of PHOSSY JAW
The word phossy jaw is derived from the term phosphorus necrosis. It refers to a condition called phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, which was prevalent among match factory workers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The term phosphorus originates from the Greek word phosphoros, which means light-bringing. It is a chemical element known for its luminous properties. The word necrosis comes from the Greek word nekros, meaning dead.
The term phossy jaw specifically came into use due to the widespread occurrence of the condition in match factory workers who were exposed to phosphorus vapor in the production of matches. The exposure to phosphorus vapor led to the development of severe jaw bone decay, often necessitating surgical removal of the affected tissues - hence the name phossy jaw.
Similar spelling word for PHOSSY JAW
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