Tibial surgery in ancient Peru

    Authors

    J. M. Toyne

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Paleopathol.

    Keywords

    Bioarchaeology; Tibia; Trepanation; Trauma; Healing; Chachapoya; South; America; CHRONIC SUBDURAL HEMATOMAS; BURR-HOLE TREPANATION; STRESS-FRACTURES; CRANIAL SURGERY; CUZCO REGION; TRAUMA; VIOLENCE; PALEOPATHOLOGY; PERIMORTEM; PATTERNS; Paleontology; Pathology

    Abstract

    This case study describes a unique anthropogenic modification of two individual skeletons excavated from the pre-Columbian site of Kuelap, Chachapoyas-Amazonas, in the northeastern highlands of Peru. While numerous examples of cranial trepanations using an adjacent drilling technique have been recovered from this site and region, this is the first example of such a surgical technique on a post-cranial element. Skeletal remains demonstrate that ancient Andeans were skilled and successful with many surgical treatments. Ethnohistoric documents suggest the Chachapoya shamans were known for their healing. In these cases, however, there is no evidence of long-term healing. This innovative medical procedure appears to have been an attempt at therapeutic intervention intended to treat an osteomyelitic infection of the distal tibial metaphysis. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Paleopathology

    Volume

    8

    Publication Date

    1-1-2015

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    29

    Last Page

    35

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000349425800005

    ISSN

    1879-9817

    Share

    COinS