occurrence of degenerative joint disease in the radius: analysis

to functional stress of their joints. The frequencies of
involvement on the proximal and distal surfaces, in addition to
the relationships between characteristics of DJD variables both
qualitatively and quantitatively, are as expected with regard to
a functional stress hypothesis. Overall, about 20% of all
specimens analyzed showed moderate/severe pitting, 6% showed
moderate/severe lipping, and 3.5% showed moderate/severe
eburnation. The results also compare well with studies on other
ossuary skeletal remains and in terms of medical literature on
DJD.
Ortner (1966) looked at DJD on the distal joint surface of
the humerus. In an attempt to describe and classify degenerative
changes of the elbow, Ortner found that DJD on the humeral joint
surface was also reflected in the radial and ulnar joint
surfaces. Ortner found that the greatest area of contact and
degeneration occurred at the center of the radial head due to
the concavity of the radial head and the rounded shape of the
capitulum. Any mechanical stress that was applied to this
particular joint surface would therefore be concentrated, and
appear as a small rounded area of degeneration.
Ortner focused on the same characteristics of DJD as that
examined in this study on the proximal and distal aspects of the
radius. Although he discussed age and metabolism as having
effects on the onset and initial degenerative changes indicative
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