Lesion Distribution in Childhood Scurvy Among Medieval Subadults From Giecz (Site 10), Poland

ABSTRACT This study examines the anatomical distribution of cranial lesions associated with vitamin C deficiency in a sample of 70 subadult individuals (aged 0–11 years) from the medieval cemetery at Giecz, site 10, Poland. Lesion frequency and severity were assessed macroscopically across cranial regions identified as high risk due to their association with masticatory and suckling muscle activity and vascular vulnerability. The results indicate a structured lesion distribution influenced by developmental stage, feeding behavior, and biomechanical stress. Lesions were most prevalent in regions of masticatory muscle activity, particularly the temporal and infratemporal fossae. Severity increased with age, reaching its highest levels in children aged 3–9 years, coinciding with the transition to a solid‐food diet. A predictive model incorporating muscle‐specific functional load, vascular exposure, and anatomical complexity demonstrated that biomechanical factors, including functional load and activity frequency, are primary contributors to lesion susceptibility. The presence of lesions in non‐masticatory regions suggests additional mechanisms, such as capillary fragility, suction pressure, or food bolus pressure. These findings support a reconceptualization of subadult scurvy as a condition shaped by the interplay of nutrition, developmental physiology, and biomechanical factors. The study also discusses diagnostic implications and future research directions, including isotopic and microstructural analyses.