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Outer-Boundary Assisted Segmentation and Quantification of Trabecular Bones by an Imagej Plugin
Published on: March 14, 2018
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Trabecular bone patterning in the hominoid distal femur
Leoni Georgiou1, Tracy L Kivell1,2, Dieter H Pahr3,4
1Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent at Canterbury, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
Peerj
|July 14, 2018
Summary
Trabecular bone structure in hominoid femurs reveals functional signals related to locomotion. Despite predictions, human (Homo) bone structure showed significant overlap with apes, indicating greater similarity than expected.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Biomechanics
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Trabecular bone structure provides functional insights into bone adaptation to load.
- Analysis of trabecular bone architecture in the skeleton is crucial for understanding locomotion in humans and nonhuman primates.
- Distinct trabecular patterns are observed in species with different locomotor behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare trabecular bone structure in the distal femur of extant hominoids.
- To investigate differences in trabecular architecture related to distinct locomotor loading regimes.
- To test predictions regarding bone volume fraction (BV/TV) concentration and anisotropy in Homo versus great apes based on knee posture during locomotion.
Main Methods:
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans were utilized for detailed analysis.
- The study included samples of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, and Pongo sp.
- Trabecular structure was examined throughout the distal epiphysis of the femur, focusing on bone volume fraction (BV/TV), anisotropy, number, spacing, and thickness.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in trabecular structure were found between taxa.
- Pan exhibited higher BV/TV in the posterosuperior condylar regions.
- Homo showed higher BV/TV and anisotropy in the posteroinferior condylar regions, while Gorilla differed significantly in trabecular number, spacing, and thickness compared to other apes.
Conclusions:
- The trabecular architecture of the distal femur contains a functional signal linked to habitual behavior.
- Greater similarity and intraspecific variability in trabecular structure were observed across hominoid taxa than anticipated.
- Homo's trabecular structure was not as distinct as predicted, showing considerable overlap with great apes, suggesting a need for further research into extinct taxa.
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