A case of dyschondrosteosis in an Anglo‐Saxon skeleton

Osteological examination of a 9^th–11^th century skeleton from Black Gate Cemetery, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, reveals Madelung's deformity of both forearms and shortened stature due to reduced tibial length. These are indicative of dyschondrosteosis, a genetically transmitted mild form of mesomelia. This case adds to a small but growing presence of this condition in pre‐modern societies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Humerus Varus in a Subadult Skeleton from the Medieval Graveyard of La Madeleine (Orléans,France)

The skeleton of a subadult individual from the medieval graveyard of La Madeleine (Orléans, France) exhibits varus deformity of its right humerus. The affected bone is shortened, the diaphysis is angulated and the head is grossly deformed. The skeleton is otherwise normal. Several diagnoses are debated, including mucopolysaccharidoses, thalassemia, infection and trauma, the latter being preferred. The severity of the bone changes suggests that the growth disturbance occurred early in the life of the individual. We therefore suppose that the causative trauma occurred at the time of birth or during the early postnatal period. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A high status burial from Ripon Cathedral,North Yorkshire,England: differential diagnosis of a chest deformity

Excavations beneath the crossing at Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire recently revealed a burial radiocarbon dated to the late 15th century AD. The burial was that of a young adult female; the location of the grave suggests a person of relatively high status. The very well preserved skeleton revealed abnormal changes to the bones of the thoracic cavity including anterior bowing of the sternum, flattening of the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae three to nine against the processes below each one, and changes to the ribs that suggested anterior displacement of the rib cage. The skeletal changes are described and differential diagnoses presented. Treatment to an underlying chest deformity, ‘pectus carinatum’, is thought to be the underlying cause of the skeletal changes; this study may lend direct insight into the concepts of body image in the Medieval period. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A foot deformity from a Romano‐British cemetery at Gloucester,England, and the current evidence for talipes in palaeopathology

A male skeleton from the Romano‐British site at Kingsholm, Gloucester, is described with abnormalities in the humerus, femur, tibia, fibula and foot. Computed tomography of the femora to enable cross‐sectional analysis suggested altered normal gait to compensate for the deformity. Differential diagnoses are considered and a diagnosis of clubfoot deformity is suggested. Palaeopathological evidence for clubfoot is rare in the literature but the cases reported to date are reviewed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The first archaeological case of Madelung's deformity?

An 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.