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Published on: November 25, 2017
Wryneck in the ancient Hawaiians
1University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Department of Anthropology, Honolulu 96822.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
A unique cranial asymmetry, likely congenital torticollis, was found in Hawaiian skeletal remains. This condition, affecting occipital condyles and facial structure, occurred at a high rate in the islands.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Physical Anthropology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Cranial asymmetry in skeletal remains from Mokapu, O'ahu, Hawai'i, has been previously observed.
- The anomaly involves occipital condyle indentation and facial/vault asymmetry.
Observation:
- Detailed examination of the cranial asymmetry included a search for similar occurrences and differential diagnosis.
- A multiple working hypothesis approach was used to analyze the osseous material.
Findings:
- Comparison with craniosynostosis, Kleippel-Feil syndrome, and primary basilar impression suggested congenital torticollis as the most probable cause.
- A significant occurrence rate of 1.8% for this anomaly was identified in Hawaiian skeletal remains.
- The condition was documented in only two instances outside Hawai'i.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potentially higher prevalence of congenital torticollis in ancient Hawaiian populations.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology and genetic factors contributing to this cranial anomaly.
- This study highlights the importance of paleopathology in identifying unique skeletal anomalies and their population-specific frequencies.
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