Osseous aplasia
Object numberGC.3496
TitleOsseous aplasia
DescriptionSkeleton, with some of its natural ligaments preserved, showing a general osseous aplasia.
From a female congenital idiot aged 31 years. She was observed during the first year of life to have weakness of the right upper and lower extremities and the affected limbs became gradually stiff and contracted. She never walked. At 5 years of age she had the first of a series of convulsive seizures with prolonged unconsciousness and these recurred until the age of 26 years. During this time her physical and mental conditions deteriorated. Movement of the right limbs entirely disappeared and they became more drawn up and wasted and did not grow so well as did those of the opposite side. The spine became curved and there was much difficulty in securing movement of the bowels. Bedsores from pressure of the right leg on the left thigh preceded death (Alexis Thomson. Journ. Anat. & Phys. London 1894. xxviii. 430.)
The cranial capacity is small. Though the body and limbs are of average length, 129.5 cm., all the bones are thin and of poor development smooth and devoid of markings for muscular and fascial attachments. There is a dextroconcave thoracicolumbar scoliosis. The pelvic bones are thin and diaphanous and the pelvic inlet almost circular. There is an acquired superior displacement of the head of the right femur and a flat surface is formed on the pubis for accommodation of the small trochanter.
Associated exhibits: 2 photograph
Object nameSKELETON
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen
Dimensions
- Skeleton Height: 144 cm