Shoulder instability in the medieval population from the church of Santo Tomé (Zamora, Spain)

  1. López Martínez, Belén 12
  2. Caro Dobón, Luis 13
  3. Fernández Suárez, M.E. 1
  1. 1 Physical Anthropology Area CC. Biological and Ambiental School University of Leon, Spain
  2. 2 Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas. Universidad de Oviedo, España
  3. 3 Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental. Universidad de León, España
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Journal:
Journal of Paleopathology

Year of publication: 2004

Volume: 16

Issue: 3

Pages: 125-132

Type: Article

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Abstract

An interesting case of glenohumeral antero-medial subcoracoid luxation was diagnosed in the course of study of the remains of a man from a medieval site in Castille and Leon, the church of Santo Tome (Zamora). A fall with the arm in abduction, which caused sliding of the humeral head towards a position below the coracoid apophysis of the scapula, is proposed as the mechanism of the dislocation. The presence of secondary alterations like osteoarthrosis, porosity, and eburnation in the articular surfaces, as consequences of the injury, indicate that the break took place well before the time of death. These macroscopic and radiographic changes are analysed, as well as the functional consequences that would have affected this man during his life.