Combining macroscopic observation and CT, fracture of the left femur of HT1M18 was identified as segmental femoral fracture. The fracture was located in the proximal one third and distal one third of the diaphysis. We determined that the segmental fracture resulted from a single traumatic event based on the extent of bone callus formation and remodeling.
Segmental femoral fracture is regarded as a specific type of fracture with a low incidence. Such fractures are commonly observed in younger people, and they are often associated with high-impact trauma, such as traffic accidents, heavy object impacts, or falls from great heights(Enninghorst et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2019; Salminen et al., 2000). However, in the present study, CT revealed that both parts of the fracture exhibited oblique and transverse patterns, while there was no indication of spiral or comminuted fracture. Consequently, we determined that the fracture was not a result of indirect force or crushing injury; rather, it was a result of direct trauma. Stress fractures and atypical fractures were ruled out based on their morphology and location(Shane et al., 2010; Uthgenannt et al., 2007). Additionally, the absence of infection and open fractures can be inferred from bone callus formation and remodeling(Licata et al., 2019). Numerous war-related mass graves, decapitated remains, and weapon remnants, such as arrowheads, bronze swords, and spearheads, have been discovered in several burials at the Tuchengzi site, which, in conjunction with historical documents, is identified as a war stronghold characterized by frequent violent conflicts(Chen et al., 2006; Yucai, 2007). Hence, we posit that the segmental fracture in the present case resulted from either a fall from a horse or a fall from a considerable height during battle. The high prevalence of violent trauma in this region contributed to a high incidence of fracture, subsequently driving the rapid accumulation of knowledge and expertise in fracture treatment among medical practitioners, as well as advancements in medical care.
Femoral fractures, particularly segmental femoral fractures, are frequently accompanied by complications, such as hemorrhage(Ostrum et al., 1993; Wertheimer et al., 2018), fat embolism(Allardyce et al., 1974; Blokhuis et al., 2017), knee stiffness(Morrison & Adams, 1949), and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity(Yang et al., 2022). The emergence of any complication poses a significant threat to individual’s life. Therefore, the trauma experienced by HT1M18 would likely have presented a formidable challenge to the medical standards of that era. CT demonstrated pronounced bone callus formation and remodeling in the fracture. Given that remodeling after fracture takes several years in humans, it was inferred that the individual survived for at least 1 year after the fracture occurred(de Boer et al., 2015). Therefore, the fracture itself was not the direct cause of the individual’s demise. Consequently, we concluded that the medical care during that time was sufficiently advanced to provide fracture fixation and high-quality treatment, thereby ensuring the individual’s survival despite severe trauma.
From the perspective of fracture displacement, segmental femoral fracture typically involves three fracture segments, each of which tends to undergo displacement due to muscular traction in the absence of human intervention (Fig. 7). In the present case, the proximal fracture segment exhibited deformities in flexion, external rotation, and abduction owing to the pull exerted by muscles, such as the iliopsoas, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles, along with other muscles around the hip(French & Tornetta, 1998; Garnavos et al., 1999). The mid-segment of the fracture demonstrated adduction and angulation outward due to the tension exerted by the hip adductor muscle groups. The distal fracture segment demonstrated posterior displacement due to the traction exerted by muscle groups surrounding the knee joint, such as the gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the gravitational force exerted on the limb(Zheng et al., 2014). However, abduction and external rotation displacement of the proximal fracture fragment and posterior displacement of the distal fracture fragment were rectified. The distal end actually displayed signs of overcorrection, indicating that the individual was treated with fracture reduction and splinting, with the use of compression pads beneath the splint to maintain reduction. The proximal compression pad was positioned on the anterolateral aspect of the proximal thigh to counteract muscle tension and correct the abduction and external rotation of the fractured mass. The distal compression pad was placed on the posterior aspect of the distal thigh to counteract muscle traction and rectify posterior displacement of the fracture mass.
Segmental femoral fracture often results in significant lower-extremity shortening(Johnson et al., 1984; Winquist & Hansen, 1980), necessitating the use of lower-limb traction prior to fracture reduction, particularly for distal fracture segments. Thus, the individual in the present case appeared to have undergone brief lower-extremity traction before resetting, although the traction was likely not sustained, leading to femur deformity and shortening after fracture healing. Despite anatomically aligned fracture healing not being achieved, reduction of the distal fracture segment met the criteria for functional realignment. This understanding of fracture reduction using compression pads to counteract muscle tension led us to conclude that medical practitioners during the Warring States period possessed a knowledge of the thigh anatomy, enabling them to guide appropriate fracture reduction and fixation.
From the perspective of fracture healing, the individual exhibited significant bone callus formation in the proximal one third of the femoral fracture, indicating the application of semi-rigid fixation, which triggered endochondral bone formation. Conversely, no obvious bone callus was observed in the distal one third of the diaphysis, implying the implementation of rigid fixation leading to direct bone formation(Claes et al., 2012). CT revealed the presence of pressure-induced trabeculae within the bone callus. These observations indicate that the fracture underwent the three phases of fracture healing, namely inflammation, repair, and remodeling(Claes et al., 2012; Einhorn & Gerstenfeld, 2015; McKibbin, 1978). Previous studies have demonstrated that both early fracture instability and insufficient mechanical stimulation during the later stages can impact bone healing(Claes et al., 2012; Duan & Lu, 2021). Therefore, based on the results of fracture healing, it can be inferred that medical practitioners during that era possessed rudimentary knowledge of the fracture healing process, enabling them to guide the appropriate treatment of this individual, avoiding premature weight-bearing that could impede fracture healing and complications arising from prolonged fixation.
The finite element analysis results revealed variations in the magnitude, extent, and stress distribution at the fracture site during different motion states. In the standing position, the stress was primarily concentrated medially at the proximal end of the bone callus, aligning with the direction of femur force transmission. The maximum recorded stress was 51 MPa, which is significantly lower than the yield strength of the femur (120–140 MPa)(Mohammadkhah & Day, 2018). This suggests that the bone callus could withstand the load experienced during standing, and the individual would have been capable of standing after fracture healing. In the walking position, the stress was concentrated along the medial side at the proximal end of the bone callus and on the lateral side at the distal end, which is consistent with the direction of femur force transmission. However, some areas experienced stress that surpassed the yield strength of the femur(Mohammadkhah & Day, 2018), reaching up to 300 MPa. Physiologically, when bone stress exceeds yield strength, localized yield collapse occurs in small areas, leading to microfracture and bone resorption at the site at which stress is concentrated. However, yield collapse across a broader area may result in fracture, indicating that the bone callus was unable to withstand the load of normal walking. Consequently, HT1M18 would have required compensatory movement or assistance from tools to facilitate walking following fracture healing.