Main Entry: Pott's disease

Pronunciation: \ˈpäts-\

Function: noun

: tuberculosis of the spine with destruction of bone resulting in curvature of the spine and occasionally 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.