ENFERMEDAD VERTEBRAL DEGENERATIVA EN LA COLECCIÓN DEL CEMENTERIO CENTRAL DE BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (SIGLOS XIX Y XX)

Abstract

The pattern of vertebral degenerative disease (VDD) was recorded in 192 skeletons from mid-19th to early 20th century at the Central Cemetery of Bogotá, Globe B. Archaeological context and historical documentation suggest that people with low socio-economic status were buried in this location. In total, 3,258 vertebrae were examined; osteophytes, joint surface contour change (lipping), and pitting were recorded in vertebral bodies, while joint surface contour change, pitting, and eburnation were observed in apophyseal joints. The disease was regarded present when any of the lesions, excluding pitting, was observed. Two methods of frequency calculation were used: one by individual and the other by vertebra; seventy-six percent of the individuals were classified as positive. High prevalence in young individuals (39.39%) suggests that this population had a strenuous lifestyle since childhood. Pattern differences of lesions found between the sexes, namely the number of affected vertebrae, may be related to different types of activities reported in historical documentation.