High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) as a new Method for Human Osteoarcheology

Introduction: In (pre)historic human bones, analysis of bone density and microstructure may be useful for anthropological research to assess skeletal health as well as physical fitness and handedness. Physical strain between arms and legs can be compared. HR-pQCT may provide information on such parameters, but has not been used in (pre)historic bones without soft tissue and bone marrow yet.

Methods: Three macroscopically intact skeletons of young persons who died 100-125 years ago at an age of approximately 20 years could be identified in the medical-historical-anatomical collection in Marburg/Germany. Distal radii und tibiae were measured using HR-pQCT (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical) and analyzed with the standard evaluation script used for patients in clinical routine. We analyzed (1) the quality of the pseudo-3D images of the bones in comparison to two healthy living person of the same age group and (2) proved for which quantitative parameters plausible results could be calculated. [Ethical votum: EK_MR_17_03_23_kann]

Results: (1) The quality of the pseudo-3D images was completely comparable between the historical bones and those of young living persons. (2) Calculation of trabecular number, cortical thickness and cortical bone density revealed plausible results comparable to young living persons (77.5±26.9 % vs. 84.4±28.3 % of sex-related mean for persons 20 – 29 years old; n.s. [pooled data]). Calculation of trabecular bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular thickness, however, revealed unplausible results (-29.1±24.1 % vs. 104.9±11.7; p < 0.001).

Discussion: In conclusion, HR-pQCT generates pseudo-3D images of historical bones in good quality. Calculation of trabecular number, cortical thickness and cortical bone density reveals plausible results, whereas this is not the case for trabecular bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular thickness. This can be explained by the calculation’s method of these bone parameters (Boutroy et al., J Clin Endocrinol 2005), which is affected by the absence of soft tissue and bone marrow.

Keywords: paleoanthropology, bone densitometry, quantitative computed tomography

Korrespondenzadresse: Peter Herbert Kann, Deutsches Endokrinologisches Versorgungszentrum, Düsseldorfer Str. 1-7, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland, E-Mail: [e-mail]

Publication History

Article published online:
13 March 2024