A case of congenital multiple epiphyseal dysplasia from the Late Migration Period graveyard in Drnholec (Czech Republic)

OBJECTIVE

To contribute to differential diagnosis of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) in archeological and clinical contexts.

MATERIALS

A skeleton of a 30- to 45-year-old male (grave no. 806) from the Late Migration Period graveyard in Drnholec-Pod sýpkou (Czech Republic), radio-carbon dated to AD 492-530.

METHODS

Morphological and metric analyses.

RESULTS

Significant pathological changes were noted on ossa coxae and proximal ends of the femora, which appear similar to changes associated with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. X-ray examination made it possible to rule out pseudoachondroplasia, rickets and metabolic bone diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding was evaluated as a probable case of congenital multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.

SIGNIFICANCE

This case will contribute to the construction of estimates of the occurrence of this disease in historical populations and can be instructive for diagnostics in current medical practice.

LIMITATIONS

The final diagnosis is limited by the lack of genetic analysis.

SUGGESTION FOR THE FUTURE RESEARCH

Further clarification leading to diagnosis will benefit from genetic analysis and evaluation of skeletal remains throughout Europe.

C4 -consumers in southern Europe: the case of Friuli V.G. (NE-Italy) during early and central Middle Ages

Isotope variations were studied in necropolises of the early (6th to 7th century CE) and central (10th to 11th century CE) medieval period located in Fruili-Venezia Giulia (Northeastern Italy). The two periods each shortly followed two great barbarian invasions that changed the politics and economy of Italy: the arrivals of Langobards in 578 CE and the Hungarian incursions from the end of the 9th to the first half of the 10th century. These events had a tragic effect on the economy of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: severe depopulation and the partial abandonment of the countryside with fall of agricultural production.