discovered in ancient
Egyptian mummy
ArchaeoHeritage, Archaeology, Breakingnews, Egypt, Forensics, Greater Middle East, Near East
Researchers during a routine DNA test on a male Egyptian have made an astonishing discovery after finding a 23 cm iron orthopaedic screw inside his knee.
The mummy is believed to date to between the 16th and 11th centuries BC
[Credit: Beyond Belief Archive]
The mummy is thought to have died between the 16th and 11 century BC and the pin is held in place by organic resin, similar to modern bone cement.
Medical experts were so amazed by this discovery they drilled through the bone to allow access for an arthroscopic camera to take a closer look.
This confirmed what they believed was impossible – that this operation was performed over 3,000 years ago.
Not only were the researchers astonished that the pin is ancient, but the highly advanced design had the visiting surgeons in awe.
The 23cm long nail found inside the mummy's knee
[Credit: Beyond Belief Archive]
Apparently, the ancient Egyptian doctors knew how to use the flanges on a screw to stabilise the rotation of the leg.
To date, no other mummy has ever been found with evidence of a similar surgery. "I have to give the ancients a lot of credit for what they have done," added Dr. Wilfred Griggs, who led the team of scientists conducting DNA research on the mummy when they made this incredible find.
Author: Jenny Paschall | Source: Express [July 12, 2015]
