New scans on mummies reveal signs of spinal surgery

New computed tomography scans are providing updated insight into some of the medical ailments that ancient mummies endured, revealing that they may have even made attempts at surgical interventions. 

Summer Decker, PhD, and Jonathan Ford, PhD—both professors of clinical radiology with the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine—recently shared their observations from the CT imaging on Nes-Hor and Nes-Min. The team was able to acquire nearly 25,000 images of the 2,200-year-old mummies, who reside at the California Science Center, without disturbing their wrappings or coffins. 

While it is not the first time mummies have undergone imaging, their most recent scans were completed using updated equipment that offers significantly improved resolution compared to their prior exams. This enabled researchers to see details that had not previously been identified. 

One of the new observations might be indicative of some form of spinal surgery. Experts identified numerous holes in part of Nes-Min’s spine, which could represent the remnants of a pain-relieving procedure, they suggested. Nes-Min's imaging also showed evidence of ribs that had been broken, likely during childhood. 

“At some point when [Nes-Min] was younger, he broke eight of his ribs on the right side of his body—and they healed slightly off,” Ford said. 

The duo also noted several missing teeth, a severely broken hip and spinal degeneration in Nes-Hor. As such, it is likely that he was unable to walk without the assistance of a cane or other device. Imaging of Nes-Hor also led the two radiology experts to believe that he was likely older when he died compared to Nes-Min.  

Decker and Ford both specialize in 3D-printing—a technology that is gaining momentum among medical experts for its ability to offer superior visualization of anatomy and assist with procedural and surgical planning. Using these skills and the new CT images of the mummies, the pair created 3D printed renderings of various parts of the subjects, including Nes-Hor's broken hip. 

Those 3D models will be on display alongside the new imaging at the “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” exhibit at the California Science Center through early September.