Concept of pott's disease in Unani medicine

ABSTRACT

Pott's disease is considered to be recognized by Percivall Pott who presented a complete picture of the disease in a monograph published during 1779. However, there are references in the classical books of Unani System of Medicine, which indicate that this disease was already known to the ancient physicians. They had a clear idea about the relationship of respiratory diseases with this deformity and were also convinced that adaba [kyphosis] or destruction of spine may result from the accumulation of viscous humour in that area causing disease. They were also familiar with the connection of the cold abscess with adaba [kyphosis]. Later with the advancement of researches it was found that these cold abscesses are produced due to tuberculous lesion. We have tried to collect all the related information available in Unani medical literature in their original form to prove that Unani physicians were well aware of the pathology of this condition