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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
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Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: Diagnostic, clinical, and paleopathological considerations
Rachel L V Holgate1, Maryna Steyn2
1Forensic Anthropology Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. rachelholgate87@gmail.com.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|March 24, 2016
Summary
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a spinal disease also affecting peripheral entheses. Paleopathological study of skeletal remains suggests higher DISH incidence in monastic populations, possibly due to diet.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Anatomy
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) primarily affects the spine and peripheral entheses.
- Its etiology is unknown, but correlations with diabetes, obesity, and age exist.
- Clinical criteria are adapted for paleopathological assessment of skeletal remains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patterns of DISH prevalence in archeological skeletal remains.
- To explore potential etiological factors, including diet, by comparing monastic and lay populations.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of clinical diagnostic criteria for paleopathological assessment.
- Analysis of archeological skeletal remains from monastic and lay cemeteries.
- Comparison of DISH incidence between different population groups.
Main Results:
- A higher incidence of DISH was observed in individuals from monastic cemeteries compared to lay populations.
- This suggests a potential link between diet and DISH prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Paleopathological studies offer unique insights into DISH etiology due to fewer methodological restrictions.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind dietary influences on DISH.
- Developing diagnostic criteria for early-stage DISH is crucial for prevention.
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