Data from: First diagnosis of septic arthritis in a dinosaur

Identification and interpretation of pathologies in the fossil record
allows for unique insights into the life histories of extinct organisms.
However, the rarity of such finds limits not only the sample size for
palaeopathologic studies, but also the types of analyses that may be
performed. In this study, we present the first occurrence of a
palaeopathology in a vertebrate from the Mesozoic of the East Coast of
North America (Appalachia), a pathologic ulna and radius of an
indeterminate hadrosaur from the Navesink Formation (New Jersey). X-ray
microtomography allowed for both detailed and more accurate diagnosis of
the pathologic condition as well as virtual conservation of the specimen.
Based on extant archosaurian comparisons, the hadrosaur was diagnosed with
severe septic arthritis affecting the proximal ulna and radius. Diagnosis
was based on erosion of the joint and highly reactive periosteal bone
growth and fusion of the elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is
the first recorded account of septic arthritis in dinosaurs. The severity
of the pathology suggests the animal suffered with this condition for some
time before death. Unfortunately, only the ulna and radius were found.
Thus, the extent to which the condition spread to other parts of the body
is unknown.