Cross-sectional analysis of long bones in a sample of ancient Egyptians

Abstract

Background: As diaphyseal shape is predominantly influenced by mechanical loading history, long bone cross-sections can be used to access activity patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate long bone cross-sectional properties in a sample of ancient Egyptians from two socioeconomic classes with different habitual activities. Material and methods: The material of the present study consisted of 174 skeletons, 71 Workers and 103 High Officials. Measurements of cross-sectional properties from CT images were taken for humerus, femur, and tibia. Cross-sectional images were obtained in the transverse plane of each bone, perpendicular to both coronal and sagittal planes. Results: Cross-sectional thickness and cortical areas of long bones were higher in male Workers than in male High Officials; the differences were significant in anterior thickness of the femur and total cross-sectional areas of both humerus and tibia, and the cortical area of the tibia. Moreover, female Workers had significantly higher values of humeral medullary area and femoral total and cortical areas than High Officials. Conclusions: Workers had higher level of skeletal robusticity than High Officials which could reflect their higher levels of mobility and physical workload. The study suggests that different activity patterns can significantly affect the bone structure.

Keywords

• Ancient Egyptians
• Cross-sectional thickness
• Cortical area
• CT