Autopsy or anatomical dissection: evidence of a craniotomy in a 17th-eighteenth century burial site (Ravenna, Italy).

ABSTRACT: Surgical procedures undergone in life, autopsies and anatomical preparations can all leave clearly identifiable traces on human skeletal remains. Several studies on skeletons from archeological contexts have identified traces of these practices. However, the distinction between medical/forensic autopsy and anatomical dissections for scientific research can be challenging. We report the case of a middle-aged female skeleton from the cemetery of the church of San Biagio (Ravenna, Italy), dating back to the 17th-19th centuries, that shows signs of a complete craniotomy. In an attempt to clarify the reason for this practice, we analyzed all pathological and non-pathological markers on the skeleton. We carried out anthropological analyses and osteometric measurements to determine the biological

SUBMITTER: Sciano F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7889548 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature