Ancient Scythian Jaw Surgery Revealed by 2,500-Year-Old Prosthetic

1 min read
Source: Live Science
Ancient Scythian Jaw Surgery Revealed by 2,500-Year-Old Prosthetic
Photo: Live Science
TL;DR

CT scans of a permafrost-preserved Pazyryk mummy from the Ukok Plateau show a 2,500-year-old jaw injury that was surgically reconstructed with a primitive prosthetic: canals pierced into the temporomandibular joint were held in place by horsehair or animal tendon, enabling limited jaw movement and indicating advanced ancient medical knowledge; the woman survived months or years after the procedure, revealing the Pazyryk's sophisticated medical practices and the value placed on her life.

Share this article

Want the full story? Read the original reporting

Read on Live Science