First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: a fall or a fist?

This study aims to characterise MCI trauma from the Middle Chalcolithic (c. 3000 BC) cemetery of Souskiou ‐Laona in southwestern Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. 58 MCIs out of 67 were complete enough for the assessment of fractures. A total of eight MCI fractures are displayed by six individuals: four adult males discovered as articulated skeletons, and two individuals from commingled contexts. These traumas were assessed macroscopically, metrically, and radiographically. Differential diagnoses of these fractures identified four extra ‐articular fractures of the diaphysis of the MCI. Three intra‐articular fractures of Bennett’s type were observed: one in combination with a Colles’ fracture of the distal radius, and one in combination with an extra‐articular fracture of the diaphysis of the MCI. One fracture involving th e distal end (head) of MCI was identified, in combination with an extra‐articular fracture. Clinical literature associates such MCI fractures with accidents where the first digit is held in a particular position (e.g. when holding a steering wheel, bicycle bar, horse reigns) or with interpersonal violence, with the first digit in flexed position. Therefore, we suggest that these archaeological MCI fractures may have been caused by accidents (falling onto an outstretched hand), or by interpersonal violence in the form of fist‐fighting. The occurrence of these fractures in males in their 20s to 40s, of substantial stature, could r...
Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research