Variation of the anterior aspect of the femoral head‐neck junction in a modern human identified skeletal collection

Abstract

The effectiveness of the so-called skeletal markers of activity as functional indicators is widely debated. Among them, certain morphological features of the anterior aspect of the femoral head-neck junction (Poirier's facet, cervical fossa of Allen, etc.) have been considered in relation to some behaviors and specific activities (e.g., squatting, horseback riding, etc.). However, disagreement on terminology and descriptions, the absence of standardized scoring methods and poor knowledge of the variability and distribution of these features make it difficult to interpret their meaning. The aim of this study is to analyze the variability of the anterior aspect of the femoral neck through a new scoring method taking into account three main traits: Poirier's facet, plaque, and cribra (including the Allen's fossa). This method has been applied to a sample of 225 adult individuals of both sexes coming from an identified modern skeletal collection, achieving low intraobserver and interobserver error values. The results highlight some significant trends: plaque, almost always bilateral, appears to be a normal condition of the femur, being present in approximately 90% of the individuals. Cribra is more frequent in females and decreases with age. Poirier's facet shows a very low frequency. This method allows the representation of both the anatomical diversity of the region already described in literature and part of the variability never considered before. Our results suggest caution in considering these features as markers related to specific activities.

“Gueule cassée” (facial injuries): a 3D paleotraumatology study and facial approximation of a Napoleonic soldier who died in 1812 at Königsberg during the Russian Campaign

“…The force of the blow would be increased by the speed at which two mounted soldiers would clash. Bilateral extension of the articular surface is observed on the anterior surface of the femoral neck of this individual, a feature that is observed among 25% of the femora in this series (Dutour & Buzhilova, ) and that has been proposed as a skeletal indicator of horse riding by some authors (Baillif‐Ducros, Truc, Paresys, & Villotte, ; McGrath, ; Molleson & Blondiaux, ; Pálfi, ; Pálfi & Dutour, ), even if this interpretation was questioned by other scholars (Radi et al, ).…”

The skeletal manifestation of malaria: An epidemiological approach using documented skeletal collections

“…Femoral cribra is a new name for an old feature (e.g., the "reaction area" or the "cervical fossa of Allen") that has long undergone discussion amongst physical anthropologists in the last century as to its etiology (Angel, 1964;Finnegan, 1978;Meyer, 1924;Radi et al, 2013). Under these names, femoral cribra tends to be viewed together with other features on the femoral neck (i.e., Poirier's facet), and described as an activity-related morphological variant.…”

“…Under these names, femoral cribra tends to be viewed together with other features on the femoral neck (i.e., Poirier's facet), and described as an activity-related morphological variant. Adding to the confusion, those publishing on the association of anemia with "femoral cribra" failed to acknowledge the existence of the other proposed activity-related etiology and vice versa (Miquel-Feucht et al, 1999;Djuric et al, 2008;Radi et al, 2013). ), but no consensus has ever been reached (Radi et al, 2013).…”

“…A wide range of specific activities have been suggested as to the causation of this feature (e.g., sleeping position, walking downhill, squatting, etc. ), but no consensus has ever been reached (Radi et al, 2013). Inconsistent naming schemes have led to confusion and miscommunication regarding what the feature entails.…”

“…Inconsistent naming schemes have led to confusion and miscommunication regarding what the feature entails. Adding to the confusion, those publishing on the association of anemia with "femoral cribra" failed to acknowledge the existence of the other proposed activity-related etiology and vice versa (Miquel-Feucht et al, 1999;Djuric et al, 2008;Radi et al, 2013).…”