Trepanations of the skull in ancient Latvia
Derums, V.
Zentralblatt für Allgemeine Pathologie U. Pathologische Anatomie 123(3): 214-221
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-4030 PMID: 382697 Document Number: 146626
3,800 skulls of inhibitants of the Baltic Sea coast of previous centuries have been investigated beginning with the neolithic period up to the 18th century. 10 cases of skull trepanation were found, 8 of which were performed in Latvia, 6 were successfull. One of them is of large size (120 x 60 mm) and shows traces of healing. It is dated back to the neolithic period. Five were performed before the 18th century. The favourable results testity the skill and considerable medical knowledge of folk physicians. Furthermore, it also witnesses the great resistance of the organism of ancient people in Latvia in cases of surgical intervention.