Atlas occipitalisation associated with other anomalies in a 16th century skeleton from Sardinia (Italy).
Archaeological excavations carried out in the plague cemetery of 16th century Alghero (Sardinia) brought to light the skeleton of a male aged 35-45 years, showing anomalies of the atlas. A macroscopic and radiological study has been carried out. The first cervical vertebra is fused with the skull base, resulting in an occipitalisation of the atlas. Absence of the costal element of the left foramen transversarium, resulting in an open anterior foramen transversarium, and posterior arch defect are also observed. The atlanto-occipital junction is a complex structure, susceptible to develop different patterns of congenital defects. These anatomical variations of atlas should be considered in modern clinical practice in order to formulate a correct diagnosis and to conceive an appropriate treatment. Osteoarchaeological cases are important as, beside to ascertain the presence of congenital defects in past populations, allow an in-depth study in dry bones, which can help modern medicine in interpreting anatomical variations. We present an association of congenital anomalies of the atlanto-occipital junction, a condition rarely documented in ancient and modern human skeletal remains.
Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy Centre for Anthropological, Palaeopathological and Historical Studies of the Sardinian and Mediterranean Populations, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy. v.giuffra@med.unipi.it.
V
V
Giuffra
A
A
Montella
M
M
Milanese
E
E
Tognotti
D
D
Caramella
P
P
Bandiera
D000328:Adult; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000473:pathology*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
Sardinia; absence of the costal element of the left foramen transversarium; atlas occipitalisation; modern age; posterior arch defect