Medieval Skeleton Research Articles

Metastatic cancer in a medieval skeleton from the Principality of Liechtenstein.

We present a presumptive case of metastatic carcinoma in an individual from the 11th/12th century CE from Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein. The skeleton exhibits extensive new bone formation in the axial skeleton and the proximal humerus and femur. Radiological examinations revealed further sclerotic lesions in the clavicles, the manubrium, the sternum, the femoral diaphysis, and possibly the frontal. The pelvic bones and the sacrum, as well as the spine, are the most heavily affected skeletal regions. The newly formed bone in some lesions has a "sun-burst" appearance. The sex and age at death of the individual, the distribution and the osteoblastic nature of the lesions suggest that prostate carcinoma is the most likely primary tumor.

The Return of the Warrior: Combining Anthropology, Imaging Advances, and Art in Reconstructing the Face of the Early Medieval Skeleton

Reconstructing the face from the skull is important not only for forensic identification but also as a tool that can provide insight into the appearance of individuals from past populations. It requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines anthropological knowledge, advanced imaging methods, and artistic skills. In the present study, we demonstrate this process on the skull of an early medieval warrior from Croatia. The skeletal remains were prepared and scanned using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and examined using standard anthropological and radiological methods. The analysis revealed that the remains belonged to a 35–45-year-old male individual who had suffered severe cranial trauma, probably causing his death. From MSCT images, we reconstructed a three-dimensional (3D) model of the skull, on which we digitally positioned cylinders demarking the soft tissue thickness and created the face with a realistic texture. A 3D model of the face was then optimized, printed, and used to produce a clay model. Sculpturing techniques added skin textures and facial features with scars and trauma manifestations. Finally, after constructing a plaster model, the model was painted and refined by adding fine details like eyes and hair, and it was prepared for presentation in the form of a sculpture.

A possible case of "kissing" osteochondroma and multiple enchondromas in a medieval skeleton from the church of Sant' Agostino in Caravate (Northern Italy).

This work presents the neoplastic bone changes found in the lower limb of a medieval skeleton from the church of Sant' Agostino in Caravate (Northern Italy). After briefly assessing the individual's overall pathological picture, a differential diagnosis for the neoplastic changes is now proposed. These changes were analysed macroscopically and radiographically and subsequently evaluated considering the paleopathological and clinical literature available. The differential diagnosis allowed us to recognize a tibiofibular osteochondroma and some enchondromas in the medullary cavity of the tibia. The results presented here highlight the importance of radiological analyses in the recognition and study of bone neoplasms in the paleopathological field, further contributing to our knowledge of the presence of neoplasms in Medieval Northern Italy.

Clubfoot and its implications for the locomotion of a medieval skeleton from Estremoz, Portugal

ObjectiveThis study describes foot bone anomalies and the degenerative changes associated with locomotion adaptations. MaterialsAn adult male (approximately 29–46 years old) from Estremoz, Portugal (13th–15th century). MethodsThe skeletal anomalies observed in this skeleton were described and measurements were compared between both sides of the individual and with the mean of the adult males from the same collection. ResultsThe most anomalous bones are the right medial cuneiform and metatarsals. Degenerative changes are more severe on the left lower limb and right upper limb. ConclusionsThis skeleton represents a unilateral case of talipes varus of the right foot, with the metatarsals being more affected while previously published cases show more severe anomalies of the hindfoot. The degenerative changes observed in the skeleton suggest that both legs and arms, aided by crutches, were used for locomotion. SignificanceThis case shows that club foot skeletal anomalies are variable and the pattern of bony changes throughout the body can reveal locomotion adaptations. LimitationsThe possibility of a genetic cause cannot be assessed due to the absence of paleogenomic data. Suggestions for further researchSince the anomalies found in this case are different than those previously published, we recommend care when analysing foot bones.

Perimortem sharp force trauma in an individual from the early medieval cemetery of Säben-Sabiona in South Tyrol, Italy

ObjectiveTo provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of cranial and postcranial lesions noted on an early medieval skeleton from the Italian Alps. MaterialsIndividual (SK63) was buried within the early Christian church (5th-8th centuries AD) of Säben-Sabiona in South Tyrol (Italy). MethodsThe skeleton underwent macroscopic, microscopic and metric analyses. ResultsSK63 was a 19–25 year old male, the analysis identified at least 29 lesions, consisting of three possible antemortem injuries and 26 perimortem sharp force injuries on the cranium (n = 4) and postcranium (n = 22). ConclusionsThe trauma pattern observed indicates that different bladed weapons were used and interpersonal violence rather than a large-scale conflict led to the death of SK63. SignificanceThe present findings provide novel information on violent interpersonal interactions in early medieval Säben-Sabiona, Italy. LimitationsThe sequence of the inflicted injuries was not reconstructed. Suggestions for Further ResearchFuture interdisciplinary investigations (i.e., 3D imaging and reconstructions) will provide a better understanding of the possible types of weapons used to inflict injuries, the required forces to create the lesions, as well as the directions of impact.

Medieval skeleton offers clues to bacterial killer’s origins

Medieval skeleton offers clues to bacterial killer’s origins

Linking the Y-chromosomal haplotype from a high medieval (1160–1421) skeleton from a Podlazice excavation site with living descendants

DNA analysis of skeletal remains from a high medieval Podlazice burial site (1160–1421) yielded data for lineage markers (mtDNA, Y-chromosome). We linked one of the retrieved Y-haplotypes with a group of individuals bearing the surname Dusanek (Duschanek). One of the individuals even confirmed that his ancestors lived close to the Podlazice cloister, which they moved from after the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) to another area of Bohemia. The differences in haplotypes (genetic distances) between the skeleton and the closest matches are 15 and 16 Y-STRs of 17 tested using the Y-filer kit (ThermoFisher Scientific). These findings are consistent with our theory that the skeletal remains belong to an individual belonging to the same family lineage as the tested individuals.

Problemy i perspektywy badań paleodemograficznych nad kulturą wielbarską na przykładzie cmentarzyska w Kowalewku

The article presents problems and prospects of palaeodemographic research on burial grounds of the Wielbark Culture exemplified with Site no 12 in Kowalewko.So far mainly mortality tables havebeen used in the research. But, as it seems, taking into consideration limitations of that method and the specificity of the input data, i.e. the graves, it is impossible to obtain trustworthy results. The article presents and analyses an alternative solution, exemplified with the burial site in Kowalewko chosen for its representativeness. For comparative reasons the results have been juxtaposed with an analysis of a Medieval skeleton burial site in Kaldus.

Congenital axis dysmorphism in a medieval skeleton

We describe here the axis dysmorphism that we observed in the skeletal remains of a human child dug up from a fifteenth century cemetery located in north-eastern Italy. This bone defect is discussed in the light of pertinent literature. We performed macroscopical examination and CT scan analysis of the axis. Axis structure was remarkably asymmetric. Whilst the left half exhibited normal morphology, the right one was smaller than normal, and its lateral articular surface showed horizontal orientation. In addition, the odontoid process appeared leftward deviated and displayed a supplementary articular-like facet situated on the right side of its surface. These findings suggest a diagnosis of unilateral irregular segmentation of atlas and axis, a rare dysmorphism dependent upon disturbances of notochordal development in early embryonic life. Likewise other malformations of the craniovertebral junction, this axis defect may alter the delicate mechanisms of upper neck movements and cause a complex series of clinical symptoms. This is an emblematic case whereby human skeletal remains may provide valuable information on the anatomical defects of craniovertebral junction.

The skeleton of a medieval male with multiple traumatic fractures from Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy

AbstractWe report on the palaeopathology of a medieval skeleton of a young adult male with multiple traumatic fractures found in 1989 in Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy. The skeleton presents ante mortem fractures of the right ulna and femur, and left tibia and fibula. We reconstruct the dynamics of the accident based on the location and type of fractures. Then we discuss the impact of this severe trauma on the subject's living conditions based on articular and enthesic modifications of the skeleton. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Periostitis and osteolysis in a medieval skeleton from South‐West Hungary: (Leprosy, treponematosis, tuberculosis or hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) A diagnostic challenge!

ABSTRACTThis paper uses macroscopic and radiological examinations to provide differential diagnoses of pathological lesions in the well‐preserved skeleton of a young male from the medieval site of Zalavár in South‐West Hungary. Macroscopic inspection of the skeleton revealed conspicuous thickening of the tibiae and fibulae with ‘tree bark’ appearance of the cortex. Periosteal proliferations are also found on the calcanea and on the posterior part of the femora. The metatarsals showed bony proliferation and bone dissolution. No alteration of the axial skeleton or the skull was noted. Radiographs showed thickening of the cortex of tubular bones due to a multilayered type of periosteal apposition. The likelihood of these symptoms being the result of melorheostosis, hypervitaminosis A, fluorosis, thyroid acropachy, endosteal hyperostosis, tuberculosis (TB), hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), treponematosis and leprosy is reviewed. None completely explains the entire spectrum of pathological lesions in the current individual, but the individual may have suffered from two co‐existent diseases. As a clinical entity, the changes in the metatarsals are compatible with leprosy, whereas the periosteal proliferations of the lower limbs point to a diagnosis of HOA as a secondary syndrome. Thus, a combination of leprosy and TB is suggested as a potential diagnosis. Although not definitive, our differential diagnosis was able to exclude a number of conditions producing periosteal apposition. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bilateral arcuate foramen associated with partial defect of the posterior arch of the atlas in a medieval skeleton: case report and review of the literature. Looking backward to go forward

We observed a complex atlas (C1) dysmorphism in a human medieval skeleton dug up from the sixth to the seventh century necropolis located in the north-eastern Italy. We analyzed such a dysmorphism in the light of pertinent literature and discussed the functional and clinical implications related to this type of C1 structural malformation. Macroscopical and CT-SCAN examinations of the atlas were carried out. Bone findings consisted of partial aplasia of the posterior arch of the C1 accompanied by a bilateral arcuate foramen. In addition, the spinous processes of C7 and T1 were found to be bifid. Although such abnormalities are supposed to be clinically inconspicuous, yet they may become challenging or even dangerous in the context of trauma. They may even complicate specific diagnostic or surgical procedures. In addition, they may cause a great number of symptoms, ranging from headache and neck pain to loss of postural muscle tone and consciousness, due to the close and complex relationship of bone structures with nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and ligaments. As a result, radiologists, clinicians, surgeons, and chiropractors should consider in their clinical reasoning the possibility that atlas dysmorphisms may occur.

Osseous talocalcaneal coalition in a medieval skeleton (ca. 1050 AD)

AbstractTarsal coalition (TC) is defined as an abnormal fusion of two or more tarsal bones. The fusion may be fibrous, cartilaginous or osseous and can be congenital or acquired in response to infection, articular disorders, trauma, neoplasm or surgery. We report a case of a talocalcaneal (TCC) type of tarsal coalition in a medieval skeleton from Northwest Germany dating to ca. 1050 AD. The fusion is of osseous type. Plain AP radiographs and computed tomography confirmed the macroscopic diagnosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Construction of Medieval Skeleton Collections with Human Remains from Tombs of Goryeo Dynasty, Korea

Construction of Medieval Skeleton Collections with Human Remains from Tombs of Goryeo Dynasty, Korea

Unusual case of occipital vertebra in a medieval skeleton

The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a transitional region of the spine that exhibits extensive structural variability. Developmental defects include a vast array of anatomical anomalies that result from remnants of the proatlas and are grouped under the term 'occipital vertebra'. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the case of a medieval skeleton, which was found to display a previously unreported manifestation of occipital vertebra. It consisted of two large basilar processes that articulated with the anterior arch of the atlas. In addition, the left process exhibited a supplementary contact zone with the dens of the axis. These structural defects were associated with an accessory canal situated posterior to the right hypoglossal canal.

A case study of possible differential diagnoses of a medieval skeleton from Denmark: leprosy, ergotism, treponematosis, sarcoidosis or smallpox?

AbstractThis paper uses macroscopic and radiological examinations to provide differential diagnoses of pathological lesions in the skeleton of a young woman, 20–25 years of age, which triggered the Danish palaeopathologist Vilhelm Møller‐Christensen's interest in leprosy. The skeleton was incomplete, but the majority of bones of the upper body, as well as the skull, were present. The pathological changes consisted of medullary and cortical lytic foci, periosteal reaction and enhanced cortical density. The lesions were most extensive on the left side, especially around the elbow, wrist and scapula. Treponematosis, leprosy, smallpox, ergotism, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are all reviewed with regard to bone and joint pathology and their likelihood of being the correct diagnosis. We concluded that the most plausible diagnosis is treponematosis, but neither sarcoidosis nor smallpox can be completely excluded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Medieval skeleton findings — Paleopathological examinations using conventional and multidetector-CT imaging

Medieval skeleton findings — Paleopathological examinations using conventional and multidetector-CT imaging

Infant osteosarcoma

AbstractMalignant tumours have long been thought to be rare in prehistoric skeletal samples. Numerous recent findings have contradicted this view. Well‐documented cases are of great importance in palaeopathological research. We report a malignant tumour in a medieval skeleton (Sulzburg, southwest Germany) of a child, briefly review palaeopathological research on tumours and include clinical description of the illness. The macroscopic and radiological results leave no doubt about the validity of the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. The osteosarcoma had attacked the proximal femur and extensively invaded the soft tissues. The histological appearance of the tumour is typical of osteosarcoma. Diagnosis, differential diagnoses, the possible aetiology of the tumour and the fate of the afflicted individual are discussed. It is possible that the development of this osteosarcoma was affected by the proximity of the community to a lead‐silver mine. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rheumatoid arthritis in a medieval skeleton

International Journal of OsteoarchaeologyVolume 5, Issue 2 p. 199-199 Reply Rheumatoid arthritis in a medieval skeleton P. Hacking, P. Hacking Oxford Archaeological UnitSearch for more papers by this author P. Hacking, P. Hacking Oxford Archaeological UnitSearch for more papers by this author First published: June 1995 https://doi.org/10.1002/oa.1390050217AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume5, Issue2June 1995Pages 199-199 RelatedInformation

The first archaeological case of Madelung's deformity?

AbstractAn elderly male medieval skeleton excavated from St Gregory's Priory presented with unilateral Madelung's deformity. The right radius and ulna were shortened due to premature fusion of the distal growth plate. The radius displayed lateral and dorsal bowing and the ulna was dislocated posteriorly. Pronation and supination was not possible and the available hand bones presented with disuse atrophy. Degenerative changes had reduced the mobility of the elbow joint and marked cubitus valgus was demonstrated. The unilateral presentation, shortening of the ulna and atrophy of the hand bones and the sex of the skeleton suggest a post‐traumatic rather than an idiopathic form of Madelung's deformity. As far as we are aware this is the first archaeological example of this condition.