Janeczek Maciej, Chrószcz Aleksander, Onar Vedat, Henklewski Radomir, Skalec Aleksandra
Division of Anatomy, Department of Animal Physiology and Biostructure, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1/3, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland.
Osteoarchaeological Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, 34320, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey.
Int J Paleopathol. 2017 Jun;17:18-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.03.001. Epub 2017 Mar 11.
Animal remains that are unearthed during archaeological excavations often provide useful information about socio-cultural context, including human habits, beliefs, and ancestral relationships. In this report, we present pathologically altered equine first and second phalanges from an 11th century specimen that was excavated at Wrocław Cathedral Island, Poland. The results of gross examination, radiography, and computed tomography, indicate osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, with partial ankylosis. Based on comparison with living modern horses undergoing lameness examination, as well as with recent literature, we conclude that the horse likely was lame for at least several months prior to death. The ability of this horse to work probably was reduced, but the degree of compromise during life cannot be stated precisely. Present day medical knowledge indicates that there was little likelihood of successful treatment for this condition during the middle ages. However, modern horses with similar pathology can function reasonably well with appropriate treatment and management, particularly following joint ankylosis. Thus, we approach the cultural question of why such an individual would have been maintained with limitations, for a probably-significant period of time.
在考古发掘中出土的动物遗骸常常能提供有关社会文化背景的有用信息，包括人类的习惯、信仰和祖先关系。在本报告中，我们展示了来自一个11世纪标本的病理改变的马第一和第二指骨，该标本在波兰弗罗茨瓦夫大教堂岛出土。大体检查、放射成像和计算机断层扫描结果表明近端指间关节存在骨关节炎，并伴有部分关节强直。通过与接受跛行检查的现代活马以及近期文献进行比较，我们得出结论，这匹马在死亡前可能至少跛行了几个月。这匹马的工作能力可能有所下降，但生前受损的程度无法精确说明。当今的医学知识表明，在中世纪这种情况几乎没有成功治疗的可能性。然而，具有类似病理的现代马在适当的治疗和管理下，尤其是在关节强直后，仍能相当良好地发挥功能。因此，我们探讨了这样一个个体为何在可能相当长的一段时间内带着身体限制仍被留存下来的文化问题。
