Joint pain
February 3, 2009 Centre for Human Bioarchaeology, Archaeology, Blogs, About my museum jobJoint disease is one of the most frequently observed pathological disorders recorded in archaeological skeletal human remains. The joints represent the point at which two bones meet, allowing for movement and support. The most common form of joint disease is osteoarthritis, this is prevalent in modern populations as well as those in the past.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by a range of different factors. These include increasing age, injury to the bone, dislocation, illness, genetic factors, diet, activity and lifestyle. Osteoarthritis can result in pain and swelling of the joint and can lead to reduced movement and deformity.
The joints are covered by a strong layer of tissue called cartilage. If this is damaged, the underlying joint surface may be exposed. Bone changes involved in osteoarthritis include the formation of new bone called osteophytes at the joint surface or surrounding margins. This represents the bodies attempt to repair the joint and counter the stresses placed upon it. If the osteophyte growth is large then the two joints may join together or fuse.
Bone changes observed in osteoarthritis can also be erosive or destructive with pitted holes and the formation of cysts into the joint surface. If the joint continues to be moved, the two opposing joint surfaces will be in direct contact and the resulting friction will cause the bone to harden and become polished (eburnation).
Analysis of the post-medieval population of Sts Mary and Michael revealed high rates of osteoarthritis with around 25% of the population showing evidence of this disease. The most commonly affected joints of the body were the radioulnar (wrist), humeroradial (elbow), acetabulum (hip), and femoropatellar (knee).
The study of joint disease can help us to understand the stresses and strains placed upon the skeleton in past populations. This can also be used to see the affects of increasing age on bone. The occurence of joint disease can then be compared to the prevalence rates in modern populations.
Mia :
Date: February 3, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
Fascinating stuff! Any idea why the rates were so high in Sts Mary and Michael?
Magnus Reuterdahl :
Date: February 13, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
Great blog! I think it is commendable dor museums to blog and even more som on Osteology. Keep up the good work.
Magnus Reuterdahl - Archaeologist/Osteoarchaeologist from Sweden
Molly Zuckerman :
Date: March 30, 2009 @ 5:36 am
This is a great idea! Great publicity for the center, too. I look forward to the discussions and responses on new findings and will check back.