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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
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Bone-formers and bone-losers in an archaeological population
1Research Department, Historic England, Portsmouth, PO4 9LD, UK.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|December 16, 2015
Summary
Individuals show varying bone formation tendencies. Ligament ossification in the spine links to thicker cortical bone, suggesting a general bone remodeling pattern in past populations.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Skeletal Biology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Modern research indicates individual differences in bone formation at skeletal and extra-skeletal sites.
- The extent of this variation in past populations remains unclear.
- A hypothesis suggests a link between ligament ossification and cortical bone thickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis of inter-individual variation in bone formation tendencies.
- To investigate the relationship between ligamentous ossification and cortical bone thickness in an archaeological sample.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 137 adult skeletons from 18th-19th century London.
- Examination of anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) ossification in the thoracic spine.
- Measurement of metacarpal cortical index (CI) using radiogrammetry.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between ALL ossification and CI, after controlling for age, sex, and other factors.
- Individuals with ALL ossification exhibited lesser medullary cavity width.
- No link was observed between ALL ossification and increased subperiosteal bone deposition.
Conclusions:
- Ligament ossification in the axial skeleton is linked to peripheral cortical bone status.
- Findings support the concept of inter-individual variation in bone remodeling tendencies in a historical population.
- The study indicates reduced endosteal bone resorption in individuals with ALL ossification.
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