Radiography at Copán

Goal 3: To Investigate Individual-Specific Forms of Pathology and Activity-Related Changes

HUNAL TOMB 1: Evidence of disuse atrophy associated with the healed "Parry" or "Nightstick" fracture of the right forearm.

It is clear from the radiographs (Figure 5) that the insult to the radius did not result in disuse atrophy. Cortical thickness remains and there is clear gross and radiographic evidence for the development of arthritic lipping at the articular surfaces. Interestingly, despite this gross evidence of arthritic changes associated with the radius, the ulna itself lost a significant amount of its cortical bone thickness. The pseudoarthrosis formed by the proximal and distal ulnar fragments do not exhibit a significant degree of reactive bone. In general, bone density at this site is low, suggesting that it was not subject to continual pressure or irritation that would have resulted from continued use. There is evidence, however, that there was some contact between the portions based upon lipping present on both surfaces. Therefore, while the radius displays clear evidence of continued use, the ulna atrophied due to the injury. None of the bones of the right hand present evidence of cortical thinning or trabecular resorption consistent with disuse.

Click on image to enlarge.

Prior to the x-ray survey, we had been entertaining two alternative explanations of the "parry" fracture: (1) trauma, and (2) a fall. Given the angle of the break and the absence of visible (radiographic) deformity at the wrist and the elbow, Dr. Braunstein favors a blow to the forearm as the most likely cause.

HUNAL TOMB 2: Evidence of disuse atrophy in the left upper limb, resulting from the blunt force trauma and non-union of the left scapula.

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While there is clear post-traumatic change to the shape of the head of the left humerus and associated osteoarthritic change, a comparison of right and left humeri (Figure 6) does not reveal any asymmetry that could be interpreted in terms of diminished activity. Remarkable, however, are the expanded lateral epicondylar flanges, just proximal to the distal articular surfaces. These are present bilaterally and while visible externally, are especially impressive on x-ray images. Dr. Braunstein interprets these as normal developmental features, which we will continue to consider in comparative study.

MARGARITA TOMB: None

MOTMOT TOMB 1: Evaluation of the "parry" fracture of the right ulna.

Click on image to enlarge.

The right ulna presents an expanded callus, even though alignment is good. Dr. Braunstein proposed that the fracture might have been splinted because there is no anatomical alignment distortion. An arrow indicates the residual fracture line (Figure 7). Dr. Braunstein does not believe that the nature of the callus and the visibility of the line permit us to estimate how long before death the fracture occurred.

MOTMOT TOMB 2: Possibility of a healed fracture at the surgical neck of the right humerus.

There is no evidence of a fracture line at this site.

MOTMOT TOMB 3: Evidence of bone thinning either associated with pathology or inactivity.

There is no evidence of cortical or trabecular thinning consistent with a diagnosis of osteoporosis/osteopenia or disuse. As Dr. Braunstein notes, the x-rays are generally unremarkable, with the exception of the right ulna.

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