Local tetanus.

The diagnostic problem posed by local tetanus is illustrated by 2 cases of this disease. With lack of a reliable serologic test and often failure to isolate the tetanus bacilli, the identification of tetanus must depend largely on the clinical characteristics, and trismus is the characterisitic initial sign. The presence of localized muscle rigidity and of intermittent involuntary spasm should also suggest local tetanus. The clinical features are discussed and followed by a review of current concept in the pathophysiology of the disorder.