Evidence
of spina bifida, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, and tuberculosis of the spine
(aka Pott's disease) have been found in South American mummies.
Dr. Peter Gerszten,
researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, reported the
results of his study of over 700 mummies. "Spinal problems were
common thousands of years ago just as they are today," he said.
"Diseases of the spine in the ancient inhabitants of Peru and Chile
are essentially the same as those that affect the modern day
population."
In fact, one third of the
mummies showed signs of osteoarthritis. The bones of one mummy also
indicated that the person suffered from a case of advanced breast cancer.
Results of the study were
published in the journal Neurosurgery (2001, 48, pp.
208-213).
