| Abstract: |
During the 2007 excavation season of the Late Neolithic (3800–3400 BP) site of Man Bac, Northern Vietnam, a flexed inhumation of an adult male was recovered. A range of pathological conditions including extensive lower limb atrophy and a completely ankylosed cervical spine informed an extensive differential diagnosis that included Klippel–Feil syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia) as well as a range of infectious and traumatic (e.g. spinal cord injury) conditions. The aim of this paper is to (1) review this differential diagnosis, (2) explore the quality of life of this individual through an exploration of likely co-morbidities (minimally decubitus ulcers, bowl and bladder dysfunction and infection and respiratory infection) and (3) develop a series of inferences regarding the level, nature and cost (to the immediate carers/family and by inference the community) of this care. It is concluded that a definitive diagnosis is unlikely due, in part, to incomplete preservation of the skeleton, although KF syndrome receives much support
the individual was possibly immobilized since childhood and was entirely dependent on the care of others for his daily needs. Implications regarding broader level attitudes towards life, quality of life and health care at Man Bac nearly 4000 years ago are explored.
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