A possible case of "kissing" osteochondroma and multiple enchondromas in a medieval skeleton from the church of Sant' Agostino in Caravate (Northern Italy)

Anthropol Anz. 2023 Mar 16;80(2):191-203. doi: 10.1127/anthranz/2022/1600.

Abstract

This work presents the neoplastic bone changes found in the lower limb of a medieval skeleton from the church of Sant' Agostino in Caravate (Northern Italy). After briefly assessing the individual's overall pathological picture, a differential diagnosis for the neoplastic changes is now proposed. These changes were analysed macroscopically and radiographically and subsequently evaluated considering the paleopathological and clinical literature available. The differential diagnosis allowed us to recognize a tibiofibular osteochondroma and some enchondromas in the medullary cavity of the tibia. The results presented here highlight the importance of radiological analyses in the recognition and study of bone neoplasms in the paleopathological field, further contributing to our knowledge of the presence of neoplasms in Medieval Northern Italy.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Bone and Bones
  • Enchondromatosis* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Osteochondroma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteochondroma* / pathology
  • Tibia