Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)

Introduction: This study investigates the bioanthropological and paleopathological features of the late Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, a revered 19th-century archbishop of Catania. Dusmet’s remains were examined during the most recent canonical recognition in 2021, providing an opportunity to s...

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Main Authors: Dario Piombino-Mascali, Fausto Grimaldi, Aldo Liberto, Federica Ministeri, Federico Privitera, Cristoforo Pomara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Vilnius University Press 2025-06-01
Series:Acta Medica Lituanica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.journals.vu.lt/AML/article/view/36192
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author Dario Piombino-Mascali
Fausto Grimaldi
Aldo Liberto
Federica Ministeri
Federico Privitera
Cristoforo Pomara
author_facet Dario Piombino-Mascali
Fausto Grimaldi
Aldo Liberto
Federica Ministeri
Federico Privitera
Cristoforo Pomara
author_sort Dario Piombino-Mascali
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: This study investigates the bioanthropological and paleopathological features of the late Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, a revered 19th-century archbishop of Catania. Dusmet’s remains were examined during the most recent canonical recognition in 2021, providing an opportunity to study the skeletal characteristics that may reflect his lifestyle and health.Materials and methods: Paleopathological analysis focused on degenerative changes using macroscopic inspection to identify osteoarthritic conditions. Historical records were also consulted to understand the potential connection between his devout religious practices and his physical health.Results: Significant degenerative and osteoarthritic changes were observed, particularly in the knees. These changes are hypothesized to be linked to Dusmet’s frequent practice of kneeling in prayer, a physical activity historically associated with knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion: This study highlights how bioanthropological and paleopathological analysis can provide insights into the health and lifestyle of historical figures. The observed knee osteoarthritis in the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet’s remains suggests a possible link between his behavior and the development of joint degeneration. This research adds to our understanding of the physical impact of religious practices and contributes to the study of health in historical figures.
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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spelling doaj-art-fe14e61b25d6496ca48e67a99c76d9f52025-08-20T03:31:15ZengVilnius University PressActa Medica Lituanica1392-01382029-41742025-06-0132110.15388/Amed.2025.32.1.24Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)Dario Piombino-Mascali0Fausto Grimaldi1Aldo Liberto2Federica Ministeri3Federico Privitera4Cristoforo Pomara5Vilnius UniversityPontifical University of Saint Thomas AquinasUniversity of CataniaUniversity of CataniaUniversity of CataniaUniversity of Catania Introduction: This study investigates the bioanthropological and paleopathological features of the late Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, a revered 19th-century archbishop of Catania. Dusmet’s remains were examined during the most recent canonical recognition in 2021, providing an opportunity to study the skeletal characteristics that may reflect his lifestyle and health.Materials and methods: Paleopathological analysis focused on degenerative changes using macroscopic inspection to identify osteoarthritic conditions. Historical records were also consulted to understand the potential connection between his devout religious practices and his physical health.Results: Significant degenerative and osteoarthritic changes were observed, particularly in the knees. These changes are hypothesized to be linked to Dusmet’s frequent practice of kneeling in prayer, a physical activity historically associated with knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion: This study highlights how bioanthropological and paleopathological analysis can provide insights into the health and lifestyle of historical figures. The observed knee osteoarthritis in the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet’s remains suggests a possible link between his behavior and the development of joint degeneration. This research adds to our understanding of the physical impact of religious practices and contributes to the study of health in historical figures. https://www.journals.vu.lt/AML/article/view/36192relicsosteoarthritisanthropologypaleopathologySicily
spellingShingle Dario Piombino-Mascali
Fausto Grimaldi
Aldo Liberto
Federica Ministeri
Federico Privitera
Cristoforo Pomara
Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
Acta Medica Lituanica
relics
osteoarthritis
anthropology
paleopathology
Sicily
title Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
title_full Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
title_fullStr Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
title_full_unstemmed Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
title_short Flectamus genua. Gonarthrosis in the Remains of the Blessed Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet (Catania, Italy, 19th Century AD)
title_sort flectamus genua gonarthrosis in the remains of the blessed giuseppe benedetto dusmet catania italy 19th century ad
topic relics
osteoarthritis
anthropology
paleopathology
Sicily
url https://www.journals.vu.lt/AML/article/view/36192
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