A case of an osteolytic lesion on an Italian Neanderthal jaw

This article describes an osteolytic odontogenetic lesion found on the mandible of a Neanderthal from the Middle Paleolithic site of Riparo Mezzena near the city of Verona (Italy). A pathology was revealed through X-ray and computerized-tomodensitometric examinations. This lesion was compared to present and sub-contemporary populations and indicates that it may have been of infectious origin, resulting from a bacterial invasion of the root canal of a coronal pulp exposure. The bacterial contamination may have resulted either from a traumatic fracture, a cavity, or extensive wear on the tooth.