Objective

We explore the utility of using a hand-held X-ray system to diagnose mastoiditis in archaeological populations.

Materials

A sample (n = 56) of hunter-fisher-gatherers from the Early Neolithic (8,000–7,000/6,800 cal. BP) Cis-Baikal cemetery of Shamanka II (Russia) were examined.

Methods

Images were taken medio-laterally, approximately 90° to a sensor temporarily affixed to the lateral surface of the mastoid process. Digital radiographs were analysed for signs of mastoiditis occurring pre- and/or post-puberty.

Results

Two thirds of individuals (39/56) exhibited evidence of mastoiditis. Chronic mastoiditis and chronic sinusitis co-occurred in 61.5% (24/39) of observable individuals.

Conclusions

This method was found to be an effective, convenient, and versatile non-destructive alternative to sectioning and traditional radiographic imaging.

Significance

This is the first project to adapt a hand-held X-ray system for imaging and diagnosis of mastoiditis and this approach encourages future analyses of this infection.

Limitations

The cost of the imaging system is limiting and there are few comparative images taken in the same plane.

Suggestions for further research

Further research should create a larger catalogue of comparative radiographs and assess the diagnostic potential of imaging the mastoid process to rather than imaging the entire pneumatized portion of the temporal bone.

中文翻译：

---

使用手持式X射线系统可视化乳突炎的创新方法。

目的

我们探索使用手持式X射线系统在考古人群中诊断乳突炎的实用程序。

用料

对来自新石器时代早期（8,000–7,000 / 6,800 cal。BP）Shamanka II（俄罗斯）的Cis-Baikal公墓的猎人-渔民采集者进行了抽样调查（n = 56）。

方法

图像是从临时固定在乳突过程侧面的传感器的大约90°的中外侧拍摄的。分析了数字X射线照片的青春期前后乳突炎的体征。

结果

三分之二（39/56）的人表现出乳突炎的证据。61.5％（24/39）的可观察个体同时发生慢性乳突炎和慢性鼻窦炎。

结论

发现该方法是切片和传统射线照相成像的有效，方便且通用的非破坏性替代方法。

意义

这是将手持式X射线系统应用于乳突炎的成像和诊断的第一个项目，这种方法鼓励对该感染的进一步分析。

局限性

成像系统的成本是有限的，并且在同一平面上拍摄的比较图像很少。

进一步研究的建议

进一步的研究应建立更大的比较X射线照片目录，并评估对乳突过程进行成像而不是对颞骨的整个气化部分进行成像的诊断潜力。