Anthropology Publications
Title
An Investigation of Micro-CT Analysis of Bone as a New Diagnostic Method for Paleopathological Cases of Osteomalacia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2020
Journal
International Journal of Paleopathology
Volume
31
First Page
23
Last Page
33
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2020.08.004
Abstract
Objective: This paper looks to broaden the methodological possibilities for diagnosing osteomalacia in archaeological bone using micro-CT analysis. Increasing the identification of osteomalacia in paleopathology will provide support for important interpretive frameworks. Materials: Nine embedded and two unembedded rib fragments were sourced from St. Martin's Birmingham and Ancaster, UK, and Lisieux Michelet, France. Of the 11 samples, nine were previously confirmed as osteomalacic, and presented with varying levels of diagenesis and two were non-osteomalacic controls, one of which exhibits diagenetic change. Methods: Micro-CT, backscattered scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were employed. Micro-CT images were evaluated for osteomalacic features using corresponding microscopic images. Results: Micro-CT images from osteomalacic samples demonstrated the presence of defective mineralization adjacent to cement lines, areas of incomplete mineralization, and resorptive bays/borders, three key diagnostic features of osteomalacia. Diagenetic change was also detectable in micro-CT images, but did not prevent the diagnosis of osteomalacia. Conclusions: Micro-CT analysis is a non-destructive method capable of providing microstructural images of osteomalacic features in embedded and unembedded samples. When enough of these features are present, micro-CT images are capable of confirming a diagnosis of osteomalacia. Significance: Vitamin D deficiency has important health consequences which operate throughout the life course. Increasing the ability to detect cases of vitamin D deficiency provides researchers with a greater understanding of health and disease in past communities. Limitations: Only adult rib samples were used. Suggestions for further research: Paleopathologists should look to test the utility of micro-CT analysis in diagnosing active rickets in subadult individuals.
Citation of this paper:
H. Welsh, A.J. Nelson, A.E. van der Merwe, H.H. de Boer, M.B. Brickley, An Investigation of Micro-CT Analysis of Bone as a New Diagnostic Method for Paleopathological Cases of Osteomalacia, International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 31, 2020, Pages 23-33, ISSN 1879-9817, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2020.08.004. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981720300450)
