A probable case of multiple osteochondromas in a Qing period (1644–1911) individual from Shandong, China

Abstract

This article aims to understand the impact of a condition causing multiple benign neoplasms on a historical individual, and increase understanding of disease processes using a paleopathological case. We present the case of an adult male from the Balizhuang site in Weifang City, Changle County, Shandong Province, China, dated by the burial artifacts to the Qing period (1644–1911 CE). The individual has multiple bony growths found on both long and flat bones, which were also observed radiographically. Imaging revealed that the lesions show continuity with the medullary cavity of the host bone. The individual also exhibited short stature, upper limb length asymmetry, and hip and ankle deformities. Conditions included in a differential diagnosis are myositis ossificans, parosteal osteosarcoma, and osteochondroma, with multiple osteochondromas (MO) being the most likely diagnosis. We also present historical texts suggesting the presence of osteochondromas in China. This may be the first case of adult MO reported in Chinese bioarcheology, helping to expand paleopathological data on benign tumors.