Recent advancements in the analysis of bone microstructure: new dimensions in forensic anthropology

Abstract

Bone is a mechanically active, three-dimensionally (3D) complex, and dynamic tissue that changes in structure over the human lifespan. Bone tissue exists and remodels in 3D and changes over time, introducing a fourth dimension. The products of the remodelling process, secondary and fragmentary osteons, have been studied substantially using traditional two-dimensional (2D) techniques. As a result, much has been learned regarding the biological information encrypted in the histomorphology of bone, yielding a wealth of information relating to skeletal structure and function. Three-dimensional imaging modalities, however, hold the potential to provide a much more comprehensive understanding of bone microarchitecture. The visualization and analysis of bone using high-resolution 3D imaging will improve current understandings of bone biology and have numerous applications in both biological anthropology and biomedicine. Through recent technological advancements, we can hone current anthropological applications of the analysis of bone microstructure and accelerate research into the third and fourth dimensional realms. This review will explore the methodological approaches used historically by anthropologists to assess cortical bone microstructure, spanning from histology to current ex vivo imaging modalities, discuss the growing capabilities of in vivo imaging, and conclude with an introduction of novel non-histological modalities for investigating bone quality.

The applicability of forensic time since death estimation methods for buried bodies in advanced decomposition stages

“…Indeed, the establishment of anthropological research facilities has commenced a new era for decomposition studies. Researchers can seize the opportunity to conduct semi-controlled, longitudinal research studies using replicate human remains with known PMI [ 17 ]. Practitioners of numerous disciplines can focus their research on understanding the complexity of decomposition to develop more accurate and precise methods for estimating the PMI [ 17 ].…”

“…Researchers can seize the opportunity to conduct semi-controlled, longitudinal research studies using replicate human remains with known PMI [ 17 ]. Practitioners of numerous disciplines can focus their research on understanding the complexity of decomposition to develop more accurate and precise methods for estimating the PMI [ 17 ]. To date there are ten human taphonomy facilities operating worldwide, of which eight are located in the United States and one in East Australia [ 18 ].…”

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

“…We also relied on the assumption that one canaliculus contained one filopodia, which is a necessary methodological oversimplification, though it is likely that more than one filopodia may have projected into the canaliculus (Marotti, Ferretti, Remaggi, & Palumbo, 1995). Future research should combine two‐dimensional (2D) thin sectioning with a three‐dimensional (3D) approach such as micro‐computed tomography (CT) or laser confocal scanning, as this will allow consideration of the lacunae shape and connectivity between individual osteocytes (Andronowski, Crowder, & Soto, 2018; Dallas & Moore, 2020). Our 2D approach only provides information on a single orientation of the lacuno‐canalicular complex, which might have particularly underlied some differences in Ci.Dn and Ci.N data between SK2 and SK9 in our case study.…”

Mitigating osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) through preventive dental care and understanding of risk factors

“…Fragmentary secondary osteons (an indicator to determine skeletal age in forensic medicine) demonstrate a relative density increase after repeated remodeling over the lifespan and may be a clue to the increased risk of ONJ with age. 72 Alterations in fibril orientation, collagen crosslinking carbonate substitution, and configuration of other matrix components, contribute to changes in mechanical behavior of bone. There are few clinical tools that are sensitive to agerelated changes in matrix composition 73 and it remains to be seen how macro-and micro-structure of bone influence ONJ incidence.…”