Bone density in medieval skeletons

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Human Osteology
• Bioarchaeology

Background:

• Historical skeletal remains offer insights into past health and lifestyle.
• Understanding bone mineral density (BMD) in past populations can reveal adaptations to activity and nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in 14th-15th century Stockholm individuals with modern populations.
• To investigate differences in BMD between upper and lower extremities and sexes.
• To explore the relationship between lifestyle, age, and bone density in a historical context.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic examination of skeletal remains.
• Dual photon absorptiometry for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement.
• Analysis of diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone density in various skeletal elements.

Main Results:

• Overall BMD comparable to modern North American and Northern European populations.
• Higher diaphyseal bone density in lower extremities (femur, tibia) compared to today, particularly in men.
• Lower diaphyseal bone density in upper extremities (humerus) and smaller metacarpal indices compared to modern individuals.
• No significant bone loss observed after age 40; higher BMD in older individuals potentially due to selection for physical fitness.

Conclusions:

• Activity patterns, such as increased walking and standing, likely contributed to higher lower limb bone density in the 14th-15th century.
• Nutritional status may have influenced lower diaphyseal bone density in the upper extremities.
• The study suggests that physical activity was a key determinant of bone density differences in this historical population.
• The findings indicate that individuals who survived past 40 may have been selected for greater physical fitness, leading to higher bone density.