title: Trepanations from the early medieval period of southwestern Germany--indications, complications and outcome.
abstract: Of the 384 skulls from the early medieval period, 8 (2.1%) exhibited trepanations. Three skulls showed trepanations in the proximity of fractures. One case of infection after borrhole trepanation that resulted in death is identifiable. Seven skulls showed clear evidence of healing and survival after trepanation. The mortality and infection rates for trepanation were low during the 6th to 8th centuries in southwestern Germany.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Czarnetzki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012886:Skull; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery; D013557:Switzerland; D014207:Trephining / Q000266:history*