Biomechanical analysis of a femur fracture in osteoarchaeology: Reconstruction of pathomechanics, treatment and gait

Licata, Marta; Iorio, Silvia; Benaglia, Piergiorgio; Tosi, Adelaide; Borgo, Melania; Armocida, Giuseppe; Ronga, Mario; Ruspi, Alessandra; Verzeletti, Andrea; Rossetti, Chiara

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2018.11.009

Cited by 10 publications

(13 citation statements)

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“…As to treatment, bioarchaeological literature infers the use of splinting and or immobilisation because of the angulation of fractures and the alignment of the stumps (e.g., Grauer & Roberts, 1996; Licata et al, 2019). However, inferences of treatment are particularly problematic as little evidence survives in the archaeological record.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Angulation at Souskiou-Laona is dorsal and lateral and involves somewhat greater angles. Therefore, it is logical to posit at least some loss of function and visible deformity.As to treatment, bioarchaeological literature infers the use of splinting and or immobilisation because of the angulation of fractures and the alignment of the stumps (e.g.,Grauer & Roberts, 1996;Licata et al, 2019). However, inferences of treatment are particularly problematic as little evidence survives in the archaeological record.Although the MCI fractures from Souskiou-Laona display malunion indicating a lack of adequate reduction, the advanced stage of healing suggests that some care may have been taken to stabilise or immobilise the fractures.…”

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confidence: 99%

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First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: A fall or a fist?

Lorentz

Casa

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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Hand fractures are frequently observed in archaeological human skeletal remains. Despite this, there is an absence of human bioarchaeological studies presenting adequate description, differential diagnoses and aetiologies of first metacarpal (MCI) fractures. This study aims to characterise MCI trauma from the Middle Chalcolithic (ca. 3000 BC) cemetery of Souskiou-Laona in southwestern Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fifty-eight out of 67 MCIs were complete enough for the assessment of fractures. A total of eight MCI fractures are displayed by six individuals: four adult males discovered as articulated skeletons and two individuals from commingled contexts. These traumas were assessed macroscopically, metrically and radiographically. Differential diagnoses of these fractures identified four extraarticular fractures of the diaphysis of the MCI. Three intra-articular fractures of Bennett's type were observed: one in combination with a Colles' fracture of the distal radius and one in combination with an extra-articular fracture of the diaphysis of the MCI. One fracture involving the distal end (head) of MCI was identified, in combination with an extra-articular fracture. Clinical literature associates such MCI fractures with accidents where the first digit is held in a particular position (e.g., when holding a steering wheel, bicycle bar and horse reigns) or with interpersonal violence, with the first digit in flexed position. Therefore, we suggest that these archaeological MCI fractures may have been caused by accidents (falling onto an outstretched hand) or by interpersonal violence in the form of fist fighting. The occurrence of these fractures in males in their 20s to 40s, of substantial stature, could reflect an association with fist fighting or with sex differential activity exposing individuals of certain sex and age range to more frequent accidents. In the case that the MCI fractures observed within the Souskiou-Laona assemblage reflect interpersonal violence, this has implications to our current understandings of society in Chalcolithic Cyprus.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: A fall or a fist?

Lorentz

Casa

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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“…On top of illustrating the growth of interest in shape analyses in palaeopathology, our meta‐analysis also revealed key trends that summarize how shape analyses have so far been used in palaeopathology. Overall, we identified four such themes: Describe pathological conditions and support/refute diagnoses (e.g., Berezina & Buzhilova, 2021; Berner et al, 2021; Colombo et al, 2018; Darton et al, 2015; DeSilva & Papakyrikos, 2011; Gunz et al, 2004; Hershkovitz et al, 1997; Milella et al, 2015; Rmoutilová et al, 2020; Slon et al, 2013; Thompson, 2014; Trinkaus, 2018; Vairamuthu & Pfeiffer, 2018; Viciano et al, 2017; Zhao et al, 2020) Understand how specific traits and shape characteristics predispose individuals to pathological conditions (e.g., Bédécarrats et al, 2021; Calce et al, 2018; Mansukoski & Sparacello, 2018; Mays, 2006; Plomp et al, 2012; Plomp et al, 2019; Plomp et al, 2020; Plomp, Viðarsdóttir, Weston, et al, 2015; Shepstone, 2001; Shepstone et al, 1999; Ward et al, 2010; Weiss, 2005) Identify and interpret adaptations and alterations in functional anatomy in response to pathological conditions (e.g., Berner et al, 2021; Churchill & Formicola, 1997; Gilmour et al, 2019; Lazenby & Pfeiffer, 1993; Licata et al, 2019; Micarelli et al, 2018; Roberts et al, 2004; Sparacello et al, 2016; Thompson, 2014; Trinkaus, 2018; Viciano et al, 2017; Viva et al, 2021; Zhao et al, 2020) Provide insight into aspects of physical and social experience, care practices, therapeutic interventions, and social organization (e.g., Bédécarrats et al, 2021; Chevalier, 2019; Cowgill et al, 2015; Formicola & Buzhilova, 2004; Gilmour et al, …”

Section: Sculpting a Palaeopathology Of Shapementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some cases, these larger interpretations arise as a result of the research outcomes, especially when case studies are reported. Not surprisingly, in these instances, authors tended to position their interpretations relative to the individual, that is, reflecting on the individual's experience of a therapeutic intervention, prosthetic, mobility aid, or other adaptive mechanism (e.g., Chevalier, 2019; Lazenby & Pfeiffer, 1993; Licata et al, 2019; Viciano et al, 2017), or their ability to participate in or contribute to their community (e.g., Cowgill et al, 2015; Micarelli et al, 2018). In addition to studies that describe the impact on the individual, other cases used insight derived from these individuals to shed light on patterns in funerary practices (e.g., Formicola & Buzhilova, 2004), experiences of disease progression (e.g., Sparacello et al, 2016), and even social organization within communities (e.g., Vairamuthu & Pfeiffer, 2018).…”

Section: Sculpting a Palaeopathology Of Shapementioning

confidence: 99%

The changing shape of palaeopathology: The contribution of skeletal shape analyses to investigations of pathological conditions

Gilmour

Plomp

2022

American Journal of Biological Anthropology

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Analyses of human skeletal shape and geometry are used to investigate questions related to habitual activities and physical lifeways, as well as biological distance and relatedness. Recently, these methods have been applied to research concerning human evolutionary predisposition for disease, as well as functional experiences of pathological conditions. The use of these methods to address palaeopathological questions are relatively new, but related questions and approaches are gaining momentum. This manuscript provides an in‐depth review of the current state of this palaeopathological research by undertaking a meta‐analysis of anthropological literature. From the results of the meta‐analysis, we observe an increase in the use of quantitative shape analyses in palaeopathology, and identify four key themes in this literature: (1) description and diagnosis, (2) shapes that increase pathological risk, (3) shape change that arises from pathology, and (4) shape used for social insight. As this area of study develops, we recommend adaptations to measurement and data collection; comparative examinations of remains at the individual, population, and species levels; and, when possible, representation of all human variation through the inclusion of pathological individuals in geometric analyses. Palaeopathologists are ideally suited to investigate the relationship between bone shape and health, which may prove essential to the continued understanding of disease in both past and contemporary contexts.

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“…Osteoarchaeologists typically reconstruct ancient human behaviour and lifestyle from external morphology, morphometry and robusticity of limb bones (Licata et al, 2019; Meyer, Nicklisch, Held, Fritsch, & Alt, 2011; Ruff, 2008; Ruff & Larsen, 2014; Villotte & Knüsel, 2013; Wanner, Sosa, Alt, & Blos, 2007). However, when internal bone structures are well preserved, behavioural inferences can also be achieved through histological methods (e.g., Miszkiewicz & Mahoney, 2016; Robling & Stout, 2003; Stout, 1978).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Osteocyte lacuno‐canalicular microstructure across the mid‐shaft femur in adult males from medieval England

Drew

Mahoney

Miszkiewicz

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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Archaeological human bone histology can reveal well‐preserved osteocyte lacunae, which are indicators of bone remodelling activity. Analyses of these lacunae can be useful when reconstructing past human mechanical loading histories or metabolic fluctuations from bone microstructure. However, the relationship between osteocyte lacunae density and morphology, and bone anatomical variation within archaeological samples is largely unknown. We examined osteocyte lacuno‐canalicular network morphology in medieval human femora to test if osteocyte lacunae change with anatomical site location. Osteocyte lacunae density (Ot.Dn) data were analysed statistically in 10 middle‐aged (35–50 years old) males dated to the 11th–16th century AD (Canterbury, England). A subsequent case study (n = 2) was conducted using two well‐preserved samples from which canaliculi number per lacuna (Ci.N) and canaliculi‐rich lacunae density (Ci.Dn) were preliminarily examined descriptively. The data were collected from cortical bone regions encompassing intracortical to subperiosteal mid‐shaft femoral bone, comparing anterior, posterior, medial and lateral locations interindividually and intraindividually. Results show that Ot.Dn varied significantly between the four anatomical regions (p = 0.001), with the medial and lateral femoral regions showing the highest median Ot.Dn. The median of Ci.N was also the highest on the medial aspect, but Ci.Dn did not change greatly across the four apects of the bone. The combination of these results suggests that mid‐shaft femoral anatomical location, which undergoes morphological change with biomechanical load, affects the expression of bone microstructure at the osteocyte lacuna level. This knowledge will benefit future osteoarchaeological methods that infer past behaviour from the human femur.

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Biomechanical analysis of a femur fracture in osteoarchaeology: Reconstruction of pathomechanics, treatment and gait

Cited by 10 publications

References 20 publications

First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: A fall or a fist?

First metacarpal fractures from Chalcolithic Cyprus: A fall or a fist?

The changing shape of palaeopathology: The contribution of skeletal shape analyses to investigations of pathological conditions

Osteocyte lacuno‐canalicular microstructure across the mid‐shaft femur in adult males from medieval England

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