Society of Physicians at Kazan University. Surgical section. Meeting on November 1, 1929

Patient N., 52 years old, a peasant, was admitted to an orthopedic clinic with complaints of severe back pain, radiating to the legs. The pain intensifies towards night and is localized in the region of the lumbar vertebrae (2-3-4 pos.). Considers himself sick for 5½ years. In August 1928 he went to the orthopedic outpatient clinic, was suspected of tuberculosis spondylitis and a plaster corset was applied, which despite 6½ months, wearing it did not give any improvements. He was ill periodically, lies in bed for 1 year. Married, 6 children, all healthy, 1 miscarriage, lues denies. Objectively; the study found kyphosis, expressed in the area of ​​the 2 lumbar. vertebrae, movements in the joints are free. There is no muscle atrophy. R. W. sharply positive (++++). X-ray: a destructive process in 2-3-4 lumbar vertebrae with enhanced bone tissue regeneration and annoyance of the peripheral parts of the vertebrae. Under the influence of treatment — rest, traction (glison loop) and inside kalii jodati — the kyphosis decreased significantly, the pain gradually became weaker. - Debate: prof. M. O. Friedland drew attention to the interest of this case in the sense of the rarity of syphilitic lesions of the lumbar vertebrae. Prof. VL Bogolyubov attributes the instructiveness of the case to the correct diagnosis, since mistakes are especially frequent in relation to the lues of the osteoarticular department, which is routinely taken for tuberculosis.