Soft Tissue Contributions to Pseudopathology of Ribs

Courtney Anson,Virginia Naples,Bruce Rothschild

doi:10.4236/aa.2012.22007

Courtney Anson, Virginia Naples + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4236/aa.2012.22007

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Abstract

This study reports the results of a de novo classification and characterization of macroscopically perceivable bone alterations relating to the pathologic significance of rib alterations as noted in defleshed bones. We distinguish between nonspecific two-dimensional color alterations and three-dimensional surface modification which appears to have diagnostic significance. Color alterations were patchy in nature with brown being most prominent, followed by creamy, white and orange, but appear taphonomic in nature. Categorization of three dimensional alterations, e.g., periosteal reaction, bumps and holes, identifies which is specific for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Rib periosteal reaction is significantly more common among individuals with tuberculosis than those with non-tubercular pulmonary disease (Chi square = 33.75, p < 0.0001), cancer (Chi square = 5.82, p < 0.02), cardiac disease (Chi square = 7.404, p < 0.008), and others (Chi square = 63.19, p < 0.0001). This study explains past errors in recognition of the significance of rib alterations.

Highlights

Ribs have long been a source of scientific, gastronomic and even theological interest (Anon, 1959; Crocker, 1972; Schmidt & Freyschmidt, 1993; Kunos et al, 1999)
Macroscopic examination of ribs reveals details which are helpful in recognizing certain intra-thoracic pathologies (Schmidt & Freyschmidt, 1993)
Two of us (BMR and VN) examined the same skeletal series and found that she successfully identified all ribs with any surface alteration. The system she independently developed for color, texture and cortical character alterations proved reproducible

Summary

Introduction

Ribs have long been a source of scientific, gastronomic and even theological interest (Anon, 1959; Crocker, 1972; Schmidt & Freyschmidt, 1993; Kunos et al, 1999). Their global anatomic appearance in humans is well characterized (Kunos et al, 1999; Resnick, 2002). This information derives predominantly from individuals whose cause of death is recorded and whose skeletons repose in medical collections, such as the Hamman-Todd and Terry Collections (Pfeiffer, 1991; Roberts et al, 1994)

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Conclusion