The pathogenesis of Pott's paraplegia and the effect of surgical intervention in its course and prognosis.

14 cases of Pott's disease of the spinal column treated by surgery is described. The operation was performed by an anterior approach and evacuation of abscess, removal of granulation tissue, seguesterated bone and disc material achieved. Any mechanical compression by bony ridges, dense fibrotic tissue or fibrotic posterior longitudinal ligament was removed making it possible for anti TB treatment to have full effect. Stability of the spine was achieved by means of anterior bone grafts which accelerated bony fusion and eradication of the disease. It is stressed that this type of radical surgery in Pott's allows for histological diagnosis, corrects the deformity thus preventing future cardio-respiratory complications, prevents paraplegia of late onset, and shortens the duration of hospital stay allowing the patient to return to his previous occupation.