Cranial surgical intervention as treatment of perimortem trauma: Bioarchaeological evidence from Early Modern Croatia
Premužić, Zrinka; Novak, Mario; Čavka, Mislav; Burmaz, Josip; Tresić Pavičić, Dinko
Anthropologischer Anzeiger (2026)
published online: Nov 12, 2026
manuscript accepted: Sep 12, 2026
final revised version received: Sep 12, 2026
manuscript revision requested: Jun 10, 2026
manuscript received: Apr 12, 2026
Abstract
This paper presents a case of perimortem sharp force trauma accompanied by trepanation discovered on a partial cranium from an Early Modern cemetery on the island of Brač in Croatia. Both lesions lack any macroscopic signs of osseous healing, suggesting they most likely result from two closely linked and timed incidents. The most plausible explanation is that the trepanation, carried out by drilling, occurred after the sharp force trauma as a failed medical intervention aimed at resolving complications from traumatic brain injury. Even though this particular intervention had a negative outcome, trepanation still remains a complex surgical procedure requiring an experienced practitioner. In addition to the medical implications, the social implications of this case shed light on healthcare and medical practices in Early Modern Croatia.
Keywords
skeletal remains • perimortem trauma • cranial surgery • Eastern Adriatic • Early Modern period