The evidence for spondylolytic defects in prehistoric Saskatchewan Aboriginal populations
Date
1989Author
Sullivan-Spangehl, Kathleen Ann
Type
ThesisDegree Level
MastersMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Spondylolysis is a separation in the neural arch
that occurs in the region of the pars interarticularis and is considered to be an acquired fatigue fracture which may have a genetic or familial element. This
defect generally occurs in the lumbar vertebrae with the L5 being the most frequently affected.
The University of Saskatchewan osteology collection has 12 individuals displaying spondylolytic defects. These represent native populations of the plains and parkland areas of Saskatchewan and span the prehistoric and early historic periods. This study includes an examination of these skeletal materials as
well as a thorough investigation of the literature
concerning spondlyolytic defects. Original research on unusual environmentally or culturally-determined habitual postures that may have lead to fatigue fractures in prehistoric and historic Plains Indians is discussed.