A Post-mortem Evaluation of the Degree of Mobility in an Individual with Severe Kyphoscoliosis Using Direct Digital Radiography (DR) and Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT)

Abstract

Since 2010, the Bioanthropology Research Institute at Quinnipiac University, in collaboration with the Inforce Foundation, Cranfield Forensic Institute at Cranfield University and the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology, Museum of London, has established a temporary field radiographic facility under St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London, in order to conduct a radiographic survey of the skeletal remains of 227 individuals from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries interred in the crypt and retained in the church. The collection constitutes a unique assemblage of skeletal remains covering a date range of 1676–1852/1853, with biographical data and detailed parish records. One of the skeletons demonstrated not only severe kyphoscoliosis, but also an uncharacteristic robustness of the femora and humeri for such a severe spinal deformity. Based on initial radiographs, it was determined the remains were stable enough to be transported to St Bartholomew’s Hospital for additional examination using multi-detector computed tomography to better visualize the internal structure of the skeleton. This chapter considers the different diagnoses derived from the radiographic studies and the analysis in attempting to establish the individual’s degree of mobility and impairment, placed in conjunction with the social conditions for the parish at this time.