Presence of the Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Avinganya rural population (Lleida, Iberian Peninsula).

Abstract

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has largely been associated with high socioeconomic status rather than lower social status in paleopathological studies. This difference has been explained as a consequence of a high intake of fats and sedentary lifestyle that could be related to metabolic syndrome and obesity, associated risk factors in DISH by some clinical authors. This association is also known as the ‘monastic way of life’. In this work, we present a DISH case corresponding to a male individual exhumed from a civil burial site of the necropolis of the Trinitarian Monastery of Avinganya, in the North-East of Iberian Peninsula. In this case, DISH coexists with some evidences of occupational stress markers (back lesions and traumas) that indicate a non-sedentary lifestyle, despite the individuals overweight. Therefore, the present case of DISH seems to contradict the ‘monastic way of life’ association. The previous relationship can be explained as a bias in the sample analysed, where high status individuals have longer survival ratios, so more probabilities to develop DISH, because age is a proved risk factor. In this way, mechanical stress is proposed as another risk factor of DISH, which is more accurate to explain this case.

Pathological and normal variability of foot bones in osteological collections from Catalonia (Spain) and Lazio (Italy)

“…In contrast, the second period representing Spain includes Avinganya (13th–17th centuries CE), a Trinitarian Monastery where a high prevalence of osteoarthritis in females has been highlighted (74.1%) (Fuentes‐Sánchez et al, 2016) and Termens, (18th–19th centuries CE) a necropolis located near Termens castle, whose individuals are dated to 1830–1860 and correspond to an agricultural population.…”

“…This Spanish period also involved an ecclesiastic and a rural necropolis (Avinganya and Termens, respectively). Avinganya (13th–17th centuries CE) was a Trinitarian Monastery (Fuentes‐Sánchez et al, 2016; Montes et al, 2021), and Termens was a necropolis located near Termens castle, whose individuals are dated between 1830 and 1860 A. D. and correspond to an agricultural population.…”