RESUMO
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.