occurrence of degenerative joint disease in the radius: analysis

there is much to be learned from similar studies that can
contribute to the understanding of degenerative joint disease.
Degenerative Joint Disease Among Late Woodland Ossuary
Populations
Numerous studies have been conducted in both clinical as
well as anthropological and archaeological contexts to better
understand degenerative joint disease (DJD) and its etiology, as
well as gather information about the activities and life ways of
past populations. Although its exact etiology is elusive, DJD
is considered to be one of the most common diseases affecting
joints and joint surfaces, occurring not specifically due to old
age as the term degenerative may indicate (Anderson, 1964;
Aufderheide and Rodriguez-Martin, 1998; Jurmain, 1999). Wells
(1964) suggests that such factors as cumulative strain over many
years and repeated episodes of minor stress are important
factors in the onset of DJD. In addition, specific activities
associated with the every day life of a group of people can aid
in determining what joints will be affected or where one would
expect to find initial and advanced stages of degenerative
changes.
Harris (1949) presented evidence of disease in the remains
of the ossuary of Cahiague as being representative of Huron
Indians of this time period. DJD, or osteoarthritis as referred
to by Harris, was observed in the spine with other joints being
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