Polyarticular inflammatory arthritis in a pre‐Columbian skeleton from Kodiak Island, Alaska, U.S.A.

• Published in: American Journal of Physical Anthropology
• Main Authors: Ortner, Donald J., Utermohle, Charles J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1981
• Subjects: Kodiak; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330560103; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fajpa.1330560103; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ajpa.1330560103

Abstract A human skeleton of a 30–35‐year‐old female from Kodiak Island, Alaska, U.S.A. exhibits skeletal lesions which strongly suggest polyarticular inflammatory arthritis. Skeletal lesions associated with the joints include porosity and destruction of joint surfaces, periarticular cystic erosion, and hypertrophic bone formation. Severe manifestations occur in the knee, ankle, and elbow. Hand and foot bones are also involved. However there is minimal involvement of the spine. The age and sex of the skeleton and the pattern of arthritic change are compatible with a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Since the specimen is probably dated to before A.D. 1200 it represents an important case in trying to clarify the history of polyarticular inflammatory arthritis.