POTT'S DISEASE, an affection of the spinal column named after Dr. Percival Pott (q.v.), thesurgeon who first accurately described its condition and nature. The disease is otherwise called angular curvature of the spine. It is caused by inflammation of the bodies of the vertebrae and of the intervertebral substance, commencing in the latter. It is commonly regarded as essentially a scrofulous disease, and it is often attended by develop ment of tubercle in the affected part, accompanied by caries of the bony substance of the vertebrae, the giving way of which causes the curvature of the coltunn. Its most common period of developmert is childhood and youth, while the body is growing. Spinal abscess, or the formation of pus at the seat of disease and its appearance further down in the groin and thigh, is a common occurrence, although recovery sometimes takes place without the formation of pus. Sometimes the pus finds its way beneath the fascia of the psoas muscle, constituting psoas abscess. Sometimes the whole thigh becomes involved by the burrowing of the pus between and beneath the muscles. Sometimes
the abscess points in the loins, when it is called lumbar abscess. When the disease is located in the cervical vertebrae the abscess points in the pharynx. When recovery takes place there is always. anchylosis, caused by the union of the bony tissue of contiguous verteltrw. General constitutional measures form a large element in the treatment, those remedies which are adapted to the treatment of scrofula, consumption, and debility being especially appropriate. Attention to hygiene is of the greatest importance. The diet should be nutritious and easily digestible. As much exercise in the open air as is consistent with the condition of the patient, with bathing, rubbing, and general tonics. The mechanical surgical treatment consists in the application of apparatus calculated to sustain the form of the body, prevent attrition between the bones, and relieve irritation generally, the success of which depends upon the ingenuity and skill of the surgeon.