Evidence ‐based criteria for palaeopathological recognition: New methodology suggests that the rotator cuff condition will be amenable to reliable identification in the archeologic record

ConclusionsThere have been no validated evidence ‐based criteria applicable for recognizing rotator cuff conditions in skeletons, in the absence of soft tissue structures. Greater tuberosity osteopenia has been noted but not yet evaluated for specificity. Rotator cuff conditions may actually be unrelated to lifestyle but may simply represent the accumulation/culmination of lifetime stresses (aging). The ratio of acromial lateral extension and height provides greater opportunity for confident diagnosis.Given the disconnection between presence or extent of pathology and clinical symptoms and limitations/disability, identification of any of the components utilized in previous consideration of rotator cuff disease diagnosis does not permit extrapolation to confidently hypothesize lifestyle or occupation.Contribution to knowledge/originality/valueDocuments a methodology for confident diagnosis of rotator cuff disease and the challenge of confident attribution of skeletal conditions and clinical/lifestyle implicationsLimitations of this studyEvidence, rather than conjecture/consensus ‐based.Suggestions for further researchPopulation survey utilizing ratio of acromial length extension and height.
Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: SHORT REPORT Source Type: research