Spinal Deformities in a Nineteenth Century Dutch Cemetery, Causes and Consequences of Severe Scoliosis in Middenbeemster

In 2011, a 17th-19th century cemetery in Middenbeemster was excavated. Two individuals were found displaying features associated with severe scoliosis. Since there are few detailed paleopathological descriptions available covering severe scoliosis, the analysis and comparison of these individuals could hold an interesting contribution to the paleopathological field. Therefore, the aim of this research was to establish the causes and consequences of severe scoliosis in these two skeletons, and, comparing to other collections with scoliosis in the 19th century Netherlands, establish what it could contribute to our knowledge. The research comprised a macroscopic analysis of the two individuals, s101 and s307, archival research, and comparison of s101 and s307 with existing reports on scoliosis in the two Dutch post-medieval collections from Zwolle and Alkmaar. S101 suffered from severe idiopathic scoliosis. Slight bending deformities in the left scapula and right femur suggest...Show moreIn 2011, a 17th-19th century cemetery in Middenbeemster was excavated. Two individuals were found displaying features associated with severe scoliosis. Since there are few detailed paleopathological descriptions available covering severe scoliosis, the analysis and comparison of these individuals could hold an interesting contribution to the paleopathological field. Therefore, the aim of this research was to establish the causes and consequences of severe scoliosis in these two skeletons, and, comparing to other collections with scoliosis in the 19th century Netherlands, establish what it could contribute to our knowledge. The research comprised a macroscopic analysis of the two individuals, s101 and s307, archival research, and comparison of s101 and s307 with existing reports on scoliosis in the two Dutch post-medieval collections from Zwolle and Alkmaar. S101 suffered from severe idiopathic scoliosis. Slight bending deformities in the left scapula and right femur suggest involvement of rickets of osteomalacia. The Cobb angle measured 75°, which is quite severe. Alterations to the thorax would have incapacitated the functioning of some vital organs. S101 was a 39-years-old female, who lived with her parents, had no occupation and was unmarried. S307 suffered from severe congenital scoliosis, a shoulder lesion (most likely a brachial plexus birth injury), bowing of the legs, and she sustained multiple enamel hypoplasias. The Cobb angle measured 155°, which is very extreme. The deformation of the thorax would have caused considerate restriction of the vital organs, causing pulmonary problems . S307 was 21-years-old female, who lived with her parents as well, had no occupation and was unmarried. The fact that both women lived with their parents shows a familial support system on the one hand, but their unmarried status shows a social stigma on the other hand. Prevalence rates from the two collections from Zwolle and Alkmaar were higher than in modern society. There is no definite explanation for these rates, future research into prevalence in the Middenbeemster collection might provide answers. Comparison of the two collections with the Middenbeemster individuals showed a relative old age-at-death, a general tendency of right thoracic curvature, and the majority of the individuals were women. All of these results are congruent with current knowledge. This research has contributed detailed descriptions of excellent examples of severe scoliosis, displaying uncommon pathological conditions. Additionally it has attempted to map the disposition of severe scoliosis and its consequences in 19th century Netherlands. Thereby, this research holds a valuable contribution to the paleopathological field.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Spinal Deformities in a Nineteenth Century Dutch Cemetery, Causes and Consequences of Severe Scoliosis in Middenbeemster