Sidra Medicine partners with Qatar Museums to identify evidence of spina bifida in Qatar’s prehistoric remains

QATAR—Sidra Medicine and Qatar Museums have identified evidence of spina bifida in prehistoric skeletal remains from archaeological sites in Qatar, using advanced medical imaging to investigate the condition’s historical occurrence and support modern clinical research.

The multidisciplinary project combines archaeology, radiology and molecular research to examine human remains recovered from Umm Al Maa and Al Kharsaah, with international research institutions contributing expertise.

Advanced imaging reveals anatomical details

Sidra Medicine’s Radiology Department used computed tomography (CT) scanning, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and 3D printing to examine the fragile remains without damaging them.

The techniques let researchers study internal bone structures, identify anatomical abnormalities, and create digital models for further analysis.

The investigation focused on sacral bones at the base of the spine, which can survive for thousands of years because they resist degradation.

Initial examinations indicated features associated with spina bifida, while CT imaging helped researchers assess the anatomical characteristics and identify the suspected variant.

Dr Sara Tomei, principal investigator at Sidra Medicine, said combining archaeology, medical imaging and molecular research could reveal new information about Qatar’s prehistoric populations while connecting scientific discoveries with contemporary healthcare.

Vladimir Bahun, computed tomography supervisor at Sidra Medicine, said the team prioritised extracting information while minimising physical handling of the irreplaceable specimens.

The digital scans also help researchers distinguish features associated with the condition from changes caused by prolonged burial.

Meanwhile, 3D-printed replicas support research, teaching, and public exhibitions while preserving the original remains.

Findings could inform clinical research

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during early pregnancy.

Depending on its severity, it can affect mobility, bladder and bowel function, and require lifelong multidisciplinary care.

Sidra Medicine operates Qatar’s dedicated multidisciplinary paediatric spina bifida team and supports research through a national patient registry, a biobank and genetic profiling of affected children and their families.

Dr Santiago Vallasciani, division chief of urology at Sidra Medicine and a member of its spina bifida clinic, said evidence of the condition in ancient populations could provide historical context for current research into its biological characteristics, risk factors and occurrence across generations.

Researchers also reported that the proportion of remains showing evidence of spina bifida at the investigated sites appeared higher than figures reported in some European archaeological studies.

Further analysis is needed to establish whether differences in populations, preservation and study methods explain this observation.

Wider implications for archaeological research

Beyond congenital conditions, the project investigates the origins, migration patterns, diets, and environmental adaptations of prehistoric populations.

Dr Ferhan Sakal, head of excavation and site management at Qatar Museums, said collaboration with partners in Italy, France and Turkey enables researchers to reconstruct aspects of ancient lives that individual disciplines might not reveal independently.

The project also uses imaging services to examine non-human archaeological specimens, broadening its investigation of ancient biological remains and environments.

For healthcare research and heritage institutions, the collaboration demonstrates how clinical imaging technologies can support archaeological investigations while generating material for further biological analysis.

The project is funded by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council under grant ARG01-0508-230094.

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