Changes in the Bones of Extremities Amputated Because of Arteriovascular Disease

Ischaemia of bone.

“…However, some caution is needed in interpreting empty lacunae in small central bony cores in the aged, the group especially likely to suffer intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck. Similar but more severe osteocyte loss may be seen in the tibia oflegs amputated for peripheral gangrene, much of the cortex being necrotic (Jaffe and Pomeranz, 1934;Sherman and Selakovich, 1957). These extensive pathological changes are usually symptomless and radiologically unsuspected.…”

“…The parts of the bone furthest away from blood vessels, such as the interstitial lamellae between the cortical osteones (Haversian systems), tend to be affected first and even in childhood occasional empty lacunae may be seen here (Jaffe and Pomeranz, 1934;Frost, 1960a). With advancing age, and presumably a deteriorating blood supply, the number of empty lacunae increases.…”