Signo de pedro pons en antropología forense

Abstract

Human remains from the Spanish Civil War period were found (1936-1939) in Seròs (Lleida, Spain). One of the skeletons was identified as a 25-29 year old male. The anthropological study leaded to the identification of firearm perimortem lesions in the skull. Macroscopically and radiologically, erosion at the anterior superior angle of fifth lumbar vertebra was observed. This lesion agrees with Pedro Pons' sign and matches with brucella spondylitis. The presence of Pedro Pons' sign indicates that the individual suffered from brucellosis for more than three weeks. The sacral vertebrae did not showed any injuries.