Historical bioarcheological aspects of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in humans

Abstract

Objective: To identify diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in the human bioarcheological record to seek out temporal, geographic and dietary information to enhance better understanding of this common condition.

Materials and methods: A review of available literature was conducted.

Results: DISH has been identified in hominin populations over millions of years, including several different human species. The distribution of DISH in ancient populations is diverse, both temporally and geographically. Where available, dietary intake of subjects with DISH, in contrast to those without DISH, suggests that metabolic factors associate with DISH.

Conclusion: DISH is a ubiquitous human disorder over the ages. Metabolic factors appear important in ancient populations of those with DISH.

Keywords: Ankylosing hyperostosis; Bioarcheology; Diet; Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis; Forestier's disease; History; Paleopathology.