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Though developmental anomalies have been noted for over a century in South American paleopathology, they have received less attention than other pathological conditions. When anomalies are reported, they tend to be unusual case studies or incidental findings. Paleopathological research should also consider anomalies from a population perspective, to broaden our understanding about the frequency of specific anomalies, and potentially offer insight into genetic relationships, cultural behavior, or environmental factors. This investigation compared block vertebrae and co-occurring postcranial axial anomalies among three skeletal samples reflecting an occupational sequence at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex of Peru. Block vertebrae demonstrate both considerable antiquity and persistence through time, though frequencies, vertebral level, and co-occurring anomalies varied by sex and cultural period. Among the Late Preceramic sample, the frequency of C2-C3 block vertebrae was highest and only seen among females, which may suggest familial influence, genetic isolation, and potentially matrilocality. The Moche sample demonstrated a moderate frequency of blocks, which in combination with the frequencies of other developmental anomalies, may suggest population continuity paired with an influx of new genes, demographic expansion, and possible cultural change with regard to postmarital residence. The Lambayeque sample demonstrated the lowest frequency of blocks and the highest frequency and greatest diversity of anomalies, which may suggest genetic continuity from the Moche, an expanded gene pool, broader opportunities for mate choice, and cultural change. It is hoped that this investigation will provide data for future comparisons and call attention to the need for the broader study of developmental anomalies in South America., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The increasing attention of archaeological and anthropological research towards palaeopathological studies has allowed to focus the examination of many skeletal samples on this aspect and to evaluate the presence of many diseases afflicting ancient populations. This paper describes the most interesting diseases observed in skeletal samples from five necropolises found in urban and suburban areas of Rome during archaeological excavations in the last decades, and dating back to the Imperial Age. The diseases observed were grouped into the following categories: articular diseases, traumas, infections, metabolic or nutritional diseases, congenital diseases and tumors, and some examples are reported for each group. Although extensive epidemiological investigation in ancient skeletal records is impossible, palaeopathology allowed highlighting the spread of numerous illnesses, many of which can be related to the life and health conditions of the Roman population., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In this paper the skeletal sample from Osłonki near Włocławek (Kujawy region) is analysed. It is dated back to 4300-4000 B.C. The material consists of skeletal remains of 92 individuals (being one of the largest samples from the neolithic period in Poland). Skeletons were examined for the presence of congenital malformation, traumatic and degenerative changes, diseases of the masticatory system, and cribra orbitalia. Some interesting results have been achieved by comparing the incidences of diseases regarding sex groups: pathological alterations were observed with greater frequency in male than female skeletons.

Recent examination of the Shanidar 3 remains revealed the presence of anomalous bilateral arthroses in the lumbar region. This paper describes this developmental anomaly, as well as several degenerative changes and offers potential etiologies. The Shanidar 3 remains represent an adult male Neandertal, approximately 35-50 years of age, dating to the Last Glacial. Although the partial skeleton is fragmentary, preserved elements include an almost complete set of ribs, portions of all thoracic vertebrae, all lumbar vertebrae, and the sacrum. Vertebral articulations from S1-T1 can be confidently assigned. The vertebra designated L1 is well preserved but lacks transverse processes. Instead, well defined bilateral articular surfaces, rather than transverse processes, are located on the pedicles. The skeletal elements associated with the anomalous L1 articulations were not recovered. The most likely interpretation is that the arthroses in question represent the facets for a 13th pair of ribs, a rare condition in modern hominid populations. Such lumbar developmental anomalies are an infrequent expression of a larger complex of cranial-caudal border shifting seen in the vertebral column. These shifts result in a change in the usual boundaries between the distinctive vertebral regions and are responsible for the majority of variability present in the vertebral column.

Irregularities of cranial suture closure resulting in scaphocephaly are documented for a number of prehistoric and historic human populations of the eastern and western hemispheres, but what may be the first recorded case from southern Asia appeared during the 1987 archaeological field season at the Indus Valley Civilization site of Harappa, Pakistan. The female specimen with this condition also exhibits indicators of developmental abnormalities in the postcranial skeleton. These features are discussed in the context of assessing anatomical and ontogenetical relationships of craniostenostic eccentricities with abnormalities of facial, dental and postcranial regions of the skeletons of scaphocephalic individuals.