A severe case of bilateral humerus varus deformity from the Middle Bronze age necropolis of Olmo di Nogara, Northeast Italy. The contribution of biomechanical analysis to paleopathological study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo gain insights on possible impairment of a Middle Bronze Age individual with bilateral humerus varus buried with a sword in Northeastern Italy. MaterialsA skeleton of a 40–50-year-old male from Olmo di Nogara (Italy) compared to other males from the same necropolis and to Neolithic and Iron Age samples from Italy. MethodsMacroscopic/X-rays analysis for pathological diagnosis and cross-sectional geometric analysis. ResultsBoth humeri of the individual appear short with destruction of the humeral heads, showing severe osteoarthrosis and flattening of the scapular glenoid cavities. The individual showed appreciable humeral bilateral asymmetry; there is no evidence for sustained immobilization. ConclusionsThe pathological modifications suggest a diagnosis of bilateral humeral varism probably following an injury at birth. The individual’s life was likely not significantly affected, as evidence suggests that he remained active and possibly used weapons. SignificanceBiomechanical analyses provided a useful tool to reconstruct the life of the subject within the community, showing that this individual’s apparent upper limb abnormalities did not exempt him from a role as a warrior and highlighting the importance of the warrior identity in this Bronze Age society. LimitationsThe complex interaction between epiphyseal damage and shortening of the humerus makes it difficult to assess activity patterns. Only severe impairment leading to long-term immobilization can be excluded for this individual. Suggestions for Further ResearchCross-sectional geometry may be used in other cases of humerus varus or bone dysplasia to investigate functional impairment.