Eine knöcherne Fusion der Handwurzel aus dem 1.–3. Jahrhundert n. Chr. aus Kasachstan

The results of the macroscopic examination, supported by plain radiography and computed tomography, show evidence for a traumatic origin of the carpal fusion (see publication). In combination with other features, the absence of the head of the capitate was the primary reason for diagnosing this as a probable wrist fracture. The fracture pattern suggests it to be the oldest case of a scaphocapitate fracture syndrome (followed by ankylosis), which is today mainly found in young men involved in severe accidents. Although nowadays accidents may be intensified by the use of machines (cars, machines at work, etc.), causing more severe trauma, severe accidents would certainly have happened during the past. The young man sustained an accident, more severe than a ´normal´ fall on an outstretched hand. However, he seemed to have belonged to a caring social group who looked after him until the fracture consolidated. Once it had ankylosed, the wrist could be used again with probably only a limited handicap.

Contributors

This study is a contribution to the ‘Silk Road Fashion’ research project supported by the Federal Ministry of Research and Education (Grant 01UO1310). R. Boroffka, A. Gass, A. Nagler, H. Parzinger, Z. Samašev and team (archaeological research). A. Issever, S. Küntzel and team of the Radiological Institute of the Charité Berlin (computed tomography).