Morphological and biomechanical analysis of a skeleton from Roman imperial necropolis of Casalecchio di Reno (Bologna, Italy, II-III c. A. D.). A possible case of crutch use.
Coll Antropol
; 24(2): 529-39, 2000 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11216421
ABSTRACT
A Roman skeleton (T.130) from the roman necropolis of Casalecchio di Reno has been studied in order to understand if the hypothesis of crutch use, suggested by the severe articular degeneration at the hip joint that caused evident reduction of his locomotory possibilities, could be supported by the morphological alterations of other bones and joints. The pathological changes and muscular development of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle bones suggest that these parts were submitted to a great mechanical stress. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis of crutch use that would have involved a new weight-bearing function of the upper limbs in order to help locomotion, even though it is difficult to assess the number and type of the crutches. The comparison with other possible cases of crutch use reported in literature gives an additional support to the interpretation of the findings.
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Crutches
/
Hip
/
Joint Diseases
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Coll Antropol
Year:
2000
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italia