Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 872
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
Object namePelvic Bones, Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular, Morbid Anatomy of the Joints - Pyogenic Arthritis, Un-mounted dry bone
DescriptionA left hip bone showing destruction of the surface of the acetabulum as a result of chronic tuberculosis.
The acetabulum in this left hip bone shows severe destruction of its surface. The exposed cancellous bone is rarefied, with only small amounts of cortical bone remaining. A large area of bone from the centre of the acetabulum has been lost, in addition to portions of the superior and anterior margins. The remaining margins show increased porosity.
Septic arthritis was probably produced in this joint as a result of chronic tuberculosis, which is commonly seen to affect the hip and knee joints as well as the spine.
The proximal femur described as being a part of this preparation in previous catalogues appears to have been lost, and thus cannot be commented on.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationNot on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of bone un-mounted.
Dimensions
whole weight: 254 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, page 88.
TranscriptA left hip-joint, with the upper part of the femur. The floor of the acetabulum is extensively eroded, probably by suppuration, and a large part of the anterior margin and central part of the floor completely destroyed. A deposit of new bone has occurred within the pelvis at the lower margin of the perforation and marking out the lower limit of an area of superficial rarefaction extending from the ischial spine to the obturator groove, corresponding to the site of a pelvic abscess. The joint is also affected with chronic osteoarthritis. The head of the femur is deformed, somewhat conical in shape and depressed below its normal level; its articular surface is worn away in one situation, exposing the pitted and atrophic cancellous tissue, and its margin has bony outgrowths in places. The neck and upper part of the shaft exhibits an abnormal flattening from before back.
