Inflammatory Joint Disease of an Individual from St. Emmeram Cathedral, Nitra, Slovakia (14th – 18th Century AD)

M. Tonková; B. Kolena; M. Vondráková; L. Luptáková; M. Halaj

Authors

M. Tonková Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Nábrežie mládeže 91, 949 74, Nitra, Slovakia.
B. Kolena Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Nábrežie mládeže 91, 949 74, Nitra, Slovakia.
M. Vondráková Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Nábrežie mládeže 91, 949 74, Nitra, Slovakia.
L. Luptáková Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Anthropology, Mlynská dolina B2, 842 15, Bratislava 4
M. Halaj Jessenius - diagnostické centrum a.s., Špitálska 6, 949 50, Nitra, Slovakia

Abstract

The paper presents pathological findings of one individual from the St. Emmeram Cathedral, where osteological remains were excavated during archaeological examination of the site Nitra - Castle hill, especially Nitra - Cathedral in 2008 and where bishops, canons and children (probably from aristocratic families) were buried since 14th till 18th century AD. The purpose of this study was determining pathological finding of skeletal remains of an individual from grave no. 235. Skeletal remains consist of right and left tibia, part of the left fibula (diaphysis with distal epiphysis) and foot bones, making ankylosis. Skeletal remains were anthropological analysed and sex of the individual was confirmed by aDNA analysis for increasing accuracy and reliability in sex determining. Presented osteological remains were anthropomorphological and paleopathological determined and diagnosed by RTG and CT scans to establish inflammatory disease of feet. After anthropological examination and widespread carefully study of osteo-archaeological and paleopathological literature we conclude on fact, that ankylosis was likely caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n9p660