Evidence of otitis media and mastoiditis in a Medieval Islamic skeleton from Spain and possible implications for ancient surgical treatment of the condition

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dc.contributor.authorOlivé-Busom, Júlia
dc.contributor.authorLópez-Costas, Olalla
dc.contributor.authorQuer-Agustí, Miquel
dc.contributor.authorMárquez-Grant, Nicholas
dc.contributor.authorKirchner, Helena
dc.date.accessioned2020-12-10T16:29:46Z
dc.date.available2020-12-10T16:29:46Z
dc.date.issued2020-11-21
dc.description.abstractObjective To evaluate lesions on a cranium from the Iberian Peninsula and assess its medico-historical and paleopathological significance. Materials The skeletal remains of a juvenile individual found in a Medieval Islamic grave (10th -16th century) in Eastern Spain. Methods Macroscopic examination of the left and right temporal bones, binocular microscopy, X-ray, and Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were performed. Results A sub-oval perforation superior to the right mastoid process and pathological changes on the right temporal bone were identified. SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of copper in the surrounding area of the perforation. Conclusions The observed pathological changes are most likely compatible with otitis media and subsequent mastoiditis. The sub-oval perforation could be interpreted either as an abscess or as evidence of a surgical procedure (mastoidectomy) or a combination of both; and the Cu traces may be the result of an associated object or, possibly, the application of a plaster with copper acetate used as medical treatment. Significance This case contributes to the paleopathological record and the interpretation of similar cases, and also helps in the understanding of medical care and treatment in Medieval Islam. Limitations The lack of similar pre-modern cases of surgical intervention limits comparability to clinical cases. Suggestion for further research: Exploration into indicators of health care in past populationsen_UK
dc.identifier.citationOlivé-Busom J, López-Costas O, Quer-Agustí M, et al., (2021) Evidence of otitis media and mastoiditis in a Medieval Islamic skeleton from Spain and possible implications for ancient surgical treatment of the condition. International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 32, March 2021, pp. 17-22en_UK
dc.identifier.issn1879-9817
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2020.10.009
dc.identifier.urihttp://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/16077
dc.language.isoenen_UK
dc.publisherElsevieren_UK
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International*
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/*
dc.subjectMedieval Spainen_UK
dc.subjectHistory of medicineen_UK
dc.subjectAl-Andalusen_UK
dc.subjectCopper stainingen_UK
dc.subjectMastoidectomyen_UK
dc.titleEvidence of otitis media and mastoiditis in a Medieval Islamic skeleton from Spain and possible implications for ancient surgical treatment of the conditionen_UK
dc.typeArticleen_UK

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