Objective

This paper presents a probable case of Madelung-type deformity of the right lower arm in an individual from the Merovingian burial ground (7th and 8 th century CE) from Gotha-Boilstädt (Germany).

Materials

A female individual with an age-at-death of 40−50 years was investigated.

Methods

Macroscopic, osteometric and radiographic analyses were performed using standard methods.

Results

The individual exhibits an unusual case of dysmelia of the right upper extremity. The shoulder and upper arm displayed gracile muscle attachment marks and less robustness compared to the left side. The ulna was shortened and distorted and the radius was severely deformed.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the individual might have been affected by a unilateral Madelung-type deformity. The severity of this case is greater than that reported in the clinical literature.

Significance

This study places an ancient rare disease into archaeological and paleopathological contexts, allowing for the evaluation of the term “ancient rare disease.” It also highlights the importance of reporting rigorously diagnosed cases in order to raise our level of awareness of the incidence and course of this rare condition in the past.

Limitations

The diagnosis cannot be stated with certainty, and only a handful of possible diagnoses can be offered. Congenital and acquired etiologies must be considered, especially when compared with clinical cases where severity of conditions may be modified by medical intervention.

Suggestions for further research

Genetic analysis might be helpful in the determination of the etiology of the observed Madelung-type deformity.

中文翻译：

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德国中部墨洛温王朝时期女性个体的马德隆型畸形：罕见发现还是罕见疾病？

客观的

本文介绍了来自 Gotha-Boilstädt（德国）Merovingian 墓地（公元 7 和 8 世纪）的一个人右下臂马德隆型畸形的可能病例。

材料

调查了一名死亡年龄为 40-50 岁的女性个体。

方法

使用标准方法进行宏观、骨测量和放射照相分析。

结果

该个体表现出右上肢异常的异常情况。与左侧相比，肩部和上臂显示出纤细的肌肉附着痕迹，但健壮性较差。尺骨缩短和扭曲，桡骨严重变形。

结论

结果表明该个体可能受到单侧马德隆型畸形的影响。该病例的严重程度高于临床文献中报道的严重程度。

意义

这项研究将一种古老的罕见疾病置于考古学和古病理学的背景下，从而可以对“古代罕见疾病”一词进行评估。它还强调了报告严格诊断病例的重要性，以提高我们对过去这种罕见疾病的发病率和病程的认识水平。

限制

不能肯定地陈述诊断，只能提供少数可能的诊断。必须考虑先天性和后天性病因，尤其是与临床病例相比时，医疗干预可能会改变病情的严重程度。

进一步研究的建议

遗传分析可能有助于确定观察到的马德隆型畸形的病因。