First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: A fall or a fist?

Abstract

AbstractHand fractures are frequently observed in archaeological human skeletal remains. Despite this, there is an absence of human bioarchaeological studies presenting adequate description, differential diagnoses and aetiologies of first metacarpal (MCI) fractures. This study aims to characterise MCI trauma from the Middle Chalcolithic (ca. 3000 bc) cemetery of Souskiou‐Laona in south‐western Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fifty‐eight out of 67 MCIs were complete enough for the assessment of fractures. A total of eight MCI fractures are displayed by six individuals: four adult males discovered as articulated skeletons and two individuals from commingled contexts. These traumas were assessed macroscopically, metrically and radiographically. Differential diagnoses of these fractures identified four extra‐articular fractures of the diaphysis of the MCI. Three intra‐articular fractures of Bennett's type were observed: one in combination with a Colles' fracture of the distal radius and one in combination with an extra‐articular fracture of the diaphysis of the MCI. One fracture involving the distal end (head) of MCI was identified, in combination with an extra‐articular fracture. Clinical literature associates such MCI fractures with accidents where the first digit is held in a particular position (e.g., when holding a steering wheel, bicycle bar and horse reigns) or with interpersonal violence, with the first digit in flexed position. Therefore, we suggest that these archaeological MCI fractures may have been caused by accidents (falling onto an outstretched hand) or by interpersonal violence in the form of fist fighting. The occurrence of these fractures in males in their 20s to 40s, of substantial stature, could reflect an association with fist fighting or with sex differential activity exposing individuals of certain sex and age range to more frequent accidents. In the case that the MCI fractures observed within the Souskiou‐Laona assemblage reflect interpersonal violence, this has implications to our current understandings of society in Chalcolithic Cyprus.