Charles-Albert Baud

Osteoarthrosis and apatite synovitis. Pathological study of a metacarpophalangeal joint.

A case of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthrosis associated with synovial apatite deposits is reported. The size of the crystals indicates that they have been thickened by a recrystallisation process; the latter could have been provoked by Ca and Po4 ions released by dissolution of some apatite crystals brought by calcified debris of bone or cartilage coming from the abraded osteoarthrotic surfaces. The role of such thickened crystals in synovial inflammation is discussed as well as their possible diagnostic value in determining origin and pathogenesis of a given synovial apatite deposit.

Brodie's abcess in a tibia dating from the Neolithic period

Radiological and macroscopic characteristics typical of Brodies abcess were observed in inferior metaphysis of a tibia estimated to be 5,000 years old. The use of rigorous anatomico-radiological criteria in studies of bone paleopathology can provide the doctor with accurate data regarding diseases of the past in bone specimens rarely at their disposal. This approach is also necessary to obtain valid data for paleontologists, prehistorians and archeologists.

Lesions characteristic of infection or malignant tumor in Paleo-Eskimo skulls

Study of two Paleo-Eskimo skulls found in a necropolis on St-Lawrence Island (Alaska), including radiography and histological examination, revealed the following features. One of the skulls showed a perforation with remodelled borders, considered to be due to trauma and secondary infection. The other showed areas of osteolysis characteristic of a malignant tumor (probably carcinomatous metastasis rather than myeloma). These cases illustrate the advantage of using various methods of investigating bone pathology, particularly microradiography, in skeleton paleopathology.

Femoral unicameral bone cyst in a medieval child. Radiological and pathological study.

Radiological, macroscopic and microscopic study of a unicameral cyst in the femur of a child of the early Middle Ages. The changes are similar to those konwn for unicameral cyst today.

Dyschondrosteosis (Léri-Weill Syndrome) observed in a VIth century skeleton

Study of a case of dyschondrosteosis (Léri-Weill syndrome) was detected in a sixth-century adult skeleton.In addition to the typical characteristics of dyschondrosteosis (shortness of the forearms and lower legs accompanied by Madelungs deformity of the radius), examination of the skeleton revealed bilateral acetabular dysplasia.No degenerative change (osteoarthrosis) was observed in the joints directly associated with these malformations.