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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Perimortem fracture manifestations and mortality after hip fracture in a documented skeletal series
Madeleine Mant1, Carlina de la Cova2, Rachel Ives3
1Memorial University, Department of Archaeology, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3R6, Canada; McMaster University, Department of Anthropology, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L9, Canada.
Objective:
Unhealed hip fractures are underrepresented in the archaeological record, suggesting that better identification criteria are required. This paper evaluates whether a sample of documented perimortem hip fractures displayed classic perimortem features and which features may facilitate better identification of such fractures in the archaeological record.
Materials:
Ten individuals from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection with documented hip fractures and intervals of survival.
Methods:
We observed the skeletal remains macroscopically and with a Keyence VHX-2000 digital microscope at a range of 5x to 100x magnification.
Results:
90% of the individuals and 64% of the fragments had identifiable perimortem features; hinging was the most consistent feature. Eburnation was found in two individuals who died 13 days after sustaining a hip fracture.
Conclusions:
This study underscores the importance of examining fracture margins for evidence of hinging. Eburnation may be added to the list of potential perimortem fracture identification criteria.
Significance:
Identifying perimortem trauma unequivocally remains challenging. Using collections with documented perimortem fractures aids in determining which criteria are most likely to appear in archaeological human bone.
Limitations:
The fracture location patterning (70% intertrochanteric) may be the result of sample selection.
Suggestions For Future Research:
Further intensive comparative investigation with the Hamann-Todd Collection would elucidate patterns further.
