Bilateral congenital radioulnar synostosis in an Early Horizon subadult burial from the site of Atalla, Peru.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to identify pathological conditions within the population living at Atalla (1000-500 BCE), an important early village site and ritual center located in Huancavelica, Peru. MATERIALS Articulated burials (N = 3) and commingled human remains excavated during the 2015 and 2016 field seasons. METHODS: Osteological remains were analyzed for macroscopic evidence of pathological changes. RESULTS: A case of bilateral proximal radioulnar fusion was observed in an Early Horizon (ca. 800 BCE) subadult skeleton (Individual 1). A differential diagnosis of this pathology supports congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS), a rare developmental condition. Enamel hypoplasia was also identified in the same individual. CONCLUSIONS: Burial treatment of Individual 1 does not provide any indication that CRUS was afforded an exceptional social significance. CONTRIBUTION TO PALEOPATHOLOGY This example of CRUS is notable as it represents the second published archaeological case of CRUS from Peru and the earliest reported case globally. LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY The osteological sample currently available from this site is limited. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH Increased fieldwork in this region is recommended to further clarify the distribution and social significance of CRUS in the prehistoric Andes.