Radiography and Allied Techniques in the Palaeopathology of Skeletal Remains

Abstract

Imaging of skeletal lesions using plain-film radiography has been used on ancient human remains for over 100 years, and it remains the most important augment to visual examination of specimens in the description and diagnosis of disease in palaeopathology. Quantitation of cortical bone thickness from radiographs (radiogrammetry) and radiological measures of bone density such as dual X-ray absorptiometry provide ways of measuring alterations in bone quantity; in palaeopathology, these techniques have principally been used to study osteoporosis and the acquisition of cortical bone by appositional growth in childhood. The principles of plain-film radiography, radiogrammetry and bone densitometry are explained. Methodological and conceptual aspects of their use in palaeopathology are considered, with emphasis on the issues raised by employing techniques developed for use with living patients on dry bones. Possible future directions are discussed.

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