Pott's disease   (pŏts)    n.  Partial destruction of the vertebral bones, usually caused by a tuberculous infection and often producing curvature of the spine. [After Percival Pott (1714-1788), British surgeon.]

Main Entry: Pott's disease
Pronunciation: 'päts-
Function: noun
: tuberculosis of the spine with destruction of bone resulting in curvature of the spineand 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 lotand 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 diseasethat accompanies curvature of the spine; it is now known as Pott's disease. In 1760 he described osteomyelitis of the calvarium.

Pott's disease n.
See tuberculous spondylitis.