A comparative analysis of four dental pathologies of the historical population of Cortijo Coracho, Roman southern Spain (4th-8th centuries AD).

Here we present the dental pathologies found in the population of Cortijo Coracho, which dates from Late Antiquity (4th-8th centuries AD) and is located in the region of Lucena (Córdoba). Using a sample of 160 individuals over the age of twenty years at death, with a total of 1681 dental crowns, the frequency of various oral diseases (dental calculus, alveolar reabsorptions, periodontal diseases, and dental abscesses) were analysed. The frequency of oral disease was compared between the mandible and the maxilla, the anterior and posterior teeth as well as the right and left sides. Consideration was given to ante-mortem tooth loss, which may be caused by dental disease. Statistical analysis showed a significantly greater frequency of oral disease in the posterior teeth of the mandible.

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

OBJECTIVE: 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 populations.