Trauma and amputations in 19th century miners from Kimberley, South Africa

Abstract

Trauma is the result of violent, accidental or therapeutic events that cause physical or psychological injury. The frequencies and types of trauma within a population can give important information regarding their lifestyle as well as the quantity and quality of medical care available to them. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of trauma in the Gladstone sample population with regards to the presence of interpersonal violence, a hazardous working environment, strenuous working requirements and the availability of medical care. The individuals studied here were diamond miners from Kimberley, dating to the late 19th century. A total of 107 well-preserved skeletons were excavated from unmarked graves after accidental discovery. This sample included 86 males, 15 females and 6 individuals of unknown sex. The majority of individuals (71%) were between 19 and 45 years of age. The remains were most likely those of migrant mine workers of low socioeconomic status who had passed away at the local hospitals. All bones were visually assessed for macroscopic indications of traumatic bone alterations and compared to standard palaeopathological texts and photographs. A total of 27% (n¼28) of the individuals in the sample presented with well-healed, healing or perimortem fractures. Fractures to the skull encompassed 49% (n¼20) of all the fractures that were observed. A total of six (6%) amputations were noted. Spondylolysis was observed in 7% (n¼7) of the individuals within the sample and longstanding subluxation was noted in two individuals. The high incidences of cranial fractures within this population are suggestive of high levels of interpersonal violence, while long bone fractures, spondylolysis and evidence of longstanding subluxations are indicative of the strenuous work requirements and the high-risk environment to which these individuals were exposed. When considering the presence of well-reduced fractures and healed amputations, it seems that adequate medical care was available to at least some members of this community.