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Pott's disease

An old term for tuberculosis of the spine that caused softening and collapse of the vertebrae, often resulting in kyphosis, a "hunchback" deformity, which was called "Pott's curvature." Named for the English surgeon Sir John Percivall Pott (1714-1788) who described it.

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Pott's disease 'päts- n tuberculosis of the spine with destruction of bone resulting in curvature of the spine and occas. in paralysis of the lower extremities

Pott Percivall (1714-1788)

British surgeon. The leading surgeon in London in his time, Pott did much to improve the lot and reputation of surgeons. He is best known for three important medical contributions. In 1768 he published a seminal work on fractures and dislocations. In 1779 he described a form of spinal disease that accompanies curvature of the spine; it is now known as Pott's disease. In 1760 he described osteomyelitis of the calvarium.

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tuberculosis of the backbone. Untreated, it can lead to a hunchback deformity. Treatment is antituberculous chemotherapy and occasionally surgery.

P. Pott (1714-88), British surgeon

Medical dictionary. 2011.