Application of the microtomography technique in density studies of prehistoric and historical human skeletal materials

Abstract

Bone density is not a standard parameter examined during anthropological analysis, although researchers increasingly attempt to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in prehistoric populations. Computed tomography (CT) has great potential in this type of research. Micro CT is a precise and universal tool for bone density measurement based on CT value (attenuation factor of the X-rays at a given point in space). Thirty-four archaeological human radial bone samples from four chronologically and geographically different sites from southern Poland were examined here. Real BMD was measured (mass/volume) and compared with BMD obtained with the use of CT value results to verify correlation between those two parameters. The micro CT density values were estimated with an uncertainty of less than 0.03 g/cm³ in more than 75% of samples. This method does not require any special sample preparation and any substitute of soft tissues. This technique enables measurement of the cortical and cancellous bone separately in even partial or damaged bones.