Diaphyseal Length Research Articles

Stature Estimation of 3–10‐Year‐Old Children from Long Bone Lengths

Estimation of stature in adult forensic cases with available long bones of the limbs is routine, but such estimation is less common in subadult cases. Long bones from subadult cases are often used to estimate age, but in some instances stature may be helpful or even critical for identification. Few published regression equations exist for consultation in such cases. Data from the longitudinal growth study conducted by the Child Research Council in Denver in the mid-1900s are utilized to produce dual-sex and single-sex regression equations for the six long bones of the limbs (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula) and for the combined femur+tibia length. All measurements are from radiographs and are of diaphyseal length. Examples show that similar results can be obtained using a two-step process of "ballpark" estimation from published tables of the Denver data, but these new regressions allow a one-step standard error estimate for the means. Regressions are further compared with those previously published by Finnish researchers, which are generally broadly comparable. More routine stature estimation in subadult cases is encouraged both as an aid to possible identification and as a test of the available regression equations.

Morbidity, rickets and long-bone growth in post-medieval Britain—a cross-population analysis

Vitamin D deficiency rickets is associated with skeletal deformities including swollen rib junctions, bowing of the legs, and the flaring and fraying of the wrist and long-bone metaphyses. There is, however, scarce information on the direct effect of rickets on skeletal growth in either present or past populations. The study investigated the effect of vitamin D deficiency rickets on long-bone growth in two post-medieval skeletal populations from East London (Broadgate and Christ Church Spitalfields). Subsequently, inter-population growth variations in relation to non-specific environmental stress (dental enamel defects), industrialization, urbanization and socio-economic status during infancy (birth to 3 years) and early childhood (3-7 years) were examined. Data on long-bone diaphyseal length dimensions and stress indicators of 234 subadults from Anglo-Saxon, late medieval and post-medieval archaeological skeletal samples were analysed using both linear and non-linear growth models. Rickets had no effect on the growth curves for any of the long bones studied. However, pronounced variations in growth between the four populations were noted, mainly during infancy. The diaphyseal length of long bones of Broadgate were significantly smaller-per-age than those of Spitalfields and the other samples up to the age of 4 years, and were associated with a high prevalence of enamel defects during early infancy. Socio-economic status, rather than urbanization, industrialization or rickets, was the central factor behind the observed differences in growth among the post-medieval populations. The observed inter-population growth variations were only significant during infancy.

Aging fetal and juvenile skeletons from Roman Period Egypt using basiocciput osteometrics

AbstractThis paper tests the use of basiocciput osteometrics against those of femoral diaphyseal length and dental development for aging fetal and juvenile skeletal remains. The study sample consists of 39 fetal and juvenile skeletons recovered from Kellis 2, a Roman Period cemetery in Dakhleh, Egypt. The results add to the corpus of data supporting the reliability of this method for use in both bioarchaeological and forensic contexts. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sexual dimorphism in the robusticity of long bones of infants and young children

It is difficult to determine the sex of subadult skeletal remains because there is a little sexual dimorphism present pre-pubertally. In a historic sample of 24 children aged 0-4 years from St. Mary's Anglican Church,Marion, South Australia, the robustness of femora and of humeri was correlated with sexually dimorphic mandibular morphology. Ratios of midshaft circumference to diaphyseal length of humeri and femora and the ratio of minimum circumference to diaphyseal length of the humerus showed correlation with sex determined by mandibular morphology, male indices being greater than the female ones. The humerus midshaft circumference index showed the greatest difference between sexes (P value=0.0002). The results need confirmation on known-sex skeletal remains, but for the moment this robusticity dimorphism seems to be a new discovery for osteological practice.

SWEDISH METACARPOPHALANGEAL STANDARDS COMPARED WITH PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED NORMS

Purpose: Metacarpophalangeal lengths are used to create pattern profiles that are useful for assessment of skeletal dysplasias and malformation syndromes. The purpose of this study was to establish Swedish standards and compare them with previously published norms. Material and Methods: A group of healthy Swedish children was followed longitudinally from the age of 1 month to 18 years. The length of the tubular bones of the hand was measured on radiographs. In addition to the conventional measurements including epiphyses, diaphyseal lengths alone were recorded. Results: Means and standard deviations of the metacarpophalangeal lengths are presented by gender and age. Conclusion: In spite of reasonably good correlation to previously published norms, demonstrated deviations encourage us to recommend the use of local standards whenever available.

Calculation of Percent Shrinkage in Human Fetal Diaphyseal Lengths from Fresh Bone to Carbonized and Calcined Bone Using Petersohn and Köhler's Data

Calculation of age from fetal and newborn remains may be problematic, and when these remains are altered by maceration, decomposition or burning, age may be more difficult to discern. When soft tissue indicators are transformed, then two techniques exist for accurate age determination; dental development, which may prove difficult given the degree of tissue alteration; and appearance, size and fusion of ossification centers, including diaphyseal length, which may yield inaccurate ages if shrinkage is not accounted for. This study is undertaken to facilitate age calculation by systematically re-evaluating diaphyseal shrinkage and determine shrinkage rates from wet to carbonized states and wet to calcined states using Petersohn and Köhler's data, originally published in German and then published in Fazekas and Kósa (1978:362-369). Average shrinkage, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values are calculated for each diaphysis and then for all diaphyses between 4-10 lunar months (LM) and for newborns. Associated values for carbonized diaphyses are: 4 LM--32.50% +/- 12.12%; 5 LM--14.04% +/- 4.44%; 6 LM--6.78% +/- 1.06%; 7 LM--4.18% +/- 0.31%; 8 LM--3.47% +/- 0.42%; 9 LM--3.05% +/- 0.18%; 10 LM--2.46% +/- 0.67%; and in newborns 2.16% +/- 0.29%. Similar values for calcined diaphyses are: 4 LM--40.11% +/- 17.51%; 5 LM--18.29% +/- 4.42%; 6 LM--9.84% +/- 1.27%; 7 LM--9.82% +/- 0.51%; 8 LM--9.42% +/- 0.72%; 9 LM--9.45% +/- 0.33%; 10 LM--8.94% +/- 0.37%; and in newborns 8.96% +/- 0.49%. These findings suggest that percent shrinkage due to carbonization and calcination is greatest in the earliest age groups, decreasing substantially with advancing age. The rates of shrinkage, however, vary by the burning process utilized and age group studied. These general findings are similar to those of Petersohn and Köhler, yet specific values for percent shrinkage vary greatly from values cited in this analysis. These data provide a means to assess the degree of shrinkage that occurs for each diaphysis for each given age group.

Zur Altersbestimmung prä- und postnataler Skelettindividuen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung aktueller methodischer Aspekte.

From the remains of ten fetal and neonatal skeletons the standard methods of age estimation by means of dental and osseous criteria as well as diaphyseal length were applied and discussed. The ratio of long bone lengths and change of proportions during the first and second half of pregnancy is a useful indicator for the stage of maturation.

Metatarsal growth during the second trimester: a predictor of gestational age?

Metatarsal growth was studied in 780 human fetal metatarsal bones, crown-rump length ranging from 120 to 260 mm and gestational age ranging from 14 to 23 wk postconception. Total length, diaphyseal length and diameter were measured and statistical analysis performed. Means and standard deviations for each measurement were calculated at 1 wk intervals. These data were correlated with crown-rump length and gestational age and an equation was constructed in an attempt to predict gestational age.

Analysis of Shrinkage in Human Fetal Diaphyseal Lengths from Fresh to Dry Bone Using Petersohn and Köhler's Data

Calculation of gestational age from forensic fetal remains may be problematic. If soft-tissue indicators are not available, then diaphyseal lengths obtained through sonograms on living fetuses in utero or radiographs of long bones can be compared to known European standards, such as Fazekas and Kósa (1978) and Olivier and Pineau (1958, 1960). Radiographic comparison to these European standards, however, requires a correction factor for diaphyseal shrinkage from fresh to dry states. Percent shrinkage is calculated for six diaphyses (humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia and fibula) from Petersohn and Köhler's data published in Fazekas and Kósa (1978:362-369). Average shrinkage, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values are calculated for each diaphysis and for all diaphyses during 4-10 lunar months (LM) and newborns. Corresponding average and standard deviation values are as follows: 4 LM-10.09% +/- 2.67%; 5 LM-5.74% +/- 0.84%; 6 LM-3.48% +/- 0.49%; 7 LM-2.32% +/- 0.16%; 8 LM-2.18% +/- 0.51%; 9 LM-1.76% +/- 0.14%; 10 LM-1.90% +/- 0.59%; and newborns-1.28% +/- 0.55%. Analysis of these values suggests that percent shrinkage steadily declines as the fetus ages. This pattern presumably reflects calcification of bone during growth and development in utero. These findings demonstrate a significant shrinkage in the diaphysis early in development, which may alter accurate age estimation in the earliest fetal age groups.

Body mass is the primary determinant of midfemoral bone acquisition during adolescent growth

To study the determinants of bone mass and structure during adolescence, we analyzed the femoral mid-diaphysis of 375 healthy adolescents and young adults, ages 9–26 years, from four ethnic cohorts (African-American, Asian-American, Caucasian, and Hispanic). Wbole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to determine diaphyseal length and mid-diaphyseal diameter of the left femur, as well as linear bone mineral content (BMCL) of a region at the mid-diaphysis. Cross-sectional geometric properties were estimated and used to calculate two structural strength indicators: the section modulus and the whole bone strength index. When the relationships between the bone measurements and age, pubertal group, height, or body mass were evaluated, all cross-sectional femoral measures correlated most strongly with body mass. Multiple regressions accounting for gender and ethnicity provided little additional predictive value over the simple regressions with body mass alone. Furthermore, accounting for all developmental parameters (age, pubertal group, body mass, lean body mass, calcium intake, physical activity level) as well as ethnicity and gender in a single saturated model also did not generally significantly improve the predictive results achieved using only body mass. Our results indicate that increases in midfemoral bone mass and cross-sectional properties during adolescence are primarily related to increases in mechanical loading as reflected by body mass.

Estimating diaphyseal length from fragmentary subadult skeletal remains: implications for palaeodemographic reconstructions of a southern Ontario ossuary.

Fragmentary skeletal remains are a significant problem for osteologists attempting to reconstruct individuals or populations. This problem is further aggravated by sites yielding commingled remains, such as are recovered from the large protohistoric and historic ossuaries from southern Ontario, for which individual methods of age estimation and sex determination cannot be used concurrently. While some attention has been given to the estimation of long bone length from fragmentary, adult remains, little attention has been given to the equally important problem of fragmentary long bones in subadult assemblages. Analysis of data on diaphyseal length is a crucial aspect of reconstructing subadult palaeodemographic profiles, particularly for ossuary collections where dental remains are not associated with individuals and are often less represented than long bones. Such analysis also aids in the assessment of conditions of past population health. This study reports the results of several regression techniques used to estimate diaphyseal length from shaft-end breadths. Data collected from two southern Ontario ossuary samples were compiled to calculate the regression equations. Reliability of these equations and implications for palaeodemographic profiles are discussed.

Technical note: error in Olivier and Pineau's regression formulae for calculation of stature and lunar age from radial diaphyseal length in forensic fetal remains.

Stewart ([1979] Essentials of Forensic Anthropology, pp. 128-131) cites five regression formulae presented by Olivier and Pineau ([1960] Ann. Méd. Lég. 40:141-144) for estimation of fetal stature from diaphyseal length. Of these formulae, one appears problematic: the formula for calculation of stature from the radius yields values which suggest the fetus has a much greater crown-heel (CH) length than do the remaining formulae for the diaphyses of other long bones. Moreover, when this stature estimate, so derived, is then inserted into these authors' earlier general formula for estimation of lunar age (Olivier and Pineau [1958] Arch. Anat. 6:21-28) the error is compounded. A fetus is now indicated to be nearly a trimester older than when the CH lengths obtained by the other long bone formulae are used. Accordingly, we believe this particular formula, unlike the others, is incorrect and should not be used to estimate lunar age from fetal remains.

A Study of Non-specific Stress Indicators and Skeletal Growth in Two Mediaeval Subadult Populations

Pathological and cross-sectional growth data were collected and analysed on subadult skeletons from the early (Raunds) and late (Chichester) Mediaeval Periods. Following age estimations and measurements of all long bone diaphyseal lengths, non-specific stress indicators were recorded according to various criteria (degrees of severity, distribution and healing) and were as follows: dental enamel hypoplasia, porosity on the ectocranial surface of the skull (orbital and vault lesions), subperiosteal new bone formation on long bones and the ectocranial surface of the skull, and Harris lines. It was postulated that their frequencies may indicate a different general health status between the two populations. Growth curves of the two mediaeval populations were also constructed correlating all skeletal measurements with dental calcification ages. Simultaneously, each subadult was differentiated into very stressed individuals (at least more than one stress indicator present) and less or unstressed individuals (only one stress indicator or none evident) in order to detect any influence of stress on growth. The resulting growth rates of long bone lengths were not systematically different between the two groups of individuals and it appeared that these subadults were reasonably well adapted to stress. However, the interpretation of the results remains difficult, as growth is so variable and the aetiology of stress indicators so hypothetical.

Diaphyseal growth in a nineteenth century skeletal sample of subadults from St Thomas' church, Belleville, Ontario

AbstractThis study presents skeletal growth data for a nineteenth century church cemetery sample from Belleville, Ontario. Skeletal growth profiles (SGPs), plotting measurements of growth against age estimated by tooth formation, were constructed for the sample. Means and confidence intervals for 1‐year cohorts up to 12 years of age are presented for each of the long bones, the ilium and scapula. Comparison of the SGPs created for this sample with modern and archaeological samples demonstrates that the nineteenth century Belleville children followed a growth pattern similar to their modern counterparts, at least until 12 years of age. It is recommended that these data can be used by other investigators as a comparative sample of nineteenth century children; they can also be used as standards of growth for the purpose of estimating age from diaphyseal lengths for other archaeological samples of similar temporal context and population affinities. It is argued that confidence intervals rather than standard deviations be used to report variation, as the former controls for sample size as well as variance.

Genital and nongenital teratogenesis of prenatal progestogen therapy: The effects of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate on embryonic and fetal development and endochondral ossification in the C57B1/6J mouse

The current study assesses the effects of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate on embryo-fetal development, with a particular focus placed on intrauterine endochondral bone development and growth. Primigravid C57 BI/6J mice were administered 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate by means of subdermal pellets designed to deliver doses of 0.5, 5.0, and 50.0 mg/kg/day on gestational days 7 through 19. Assuming a dosage regimen of 250 mg per 50 kg per week in humans for the treatment of threatened spontaneous abortion, the doses used were 0.7, 7.0, and 70.0 times the human dose equivalent. The time course of exposure encompassed the period of organogenesis through the late fetal period. No maternal toxicity was noted throughout the course of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate administration. Fetal weight at term and the percentage of resorptions, dead fetuses, male fetuses, and malformations at term were not significantly affected at any evaluated dose when compared with control group values. The steroid did not exert a significant influence on any assessed parameter of endochondral bone development or growth, even at a dosage concentration that far exceeded the human therapeutic dose equivalent. As would be expected, fetal weight was directly correlated with diaphyseal length and also influenced the relationship of cartilage to osseous tissue in both the humeri and femora. There were no 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate dose and fetal sexual phenotype interactive effects noted with regard to any developmental or bone growth parameter measured, thus discounting any sexual phenotype-related toxic or teratogenic sensitivities. The data indicate that 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate administered at doses of up to 70 times the human dose equivalent did not induce increases in the frequency of genital and, importantly, nongenital teratogenesis in spite of exposure during the critical period of organogenesis. Additionally, the steroid did not affect limb morphogenesis or endochondral ossification.

Evaluating human skeletal growth: An Anglo‐Saxon example

AbstractCross‐sectional growth data were obtained from the skeletal remains of non‐adults from the Raunds Anglo‐Saxon site. Standard measurements of the diaphyseal lengths of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs and the maximum breadth of the ilium were recorded in order to construct skeletal growth profiles (SGP). In addition regression equations were used to estimate diaphyseal length from proximal and distal shaft widths, and epiphyseal breadth data for fragmentary remains. The skeletal measurements were then plotted against age estimates determined by the dental formation standards of Moorrees, Fanning and Hunt, and Anderson, Thompson and Popovich. The growth data were compared with sixth to seventh century German, ninth century Slavic and modern Caucasian data. With the exception of the ancient Slavic material, the Anglo‐Saxon remains demonstrated the smallest rates of growth. Diaphyseal ageing curves derived from the Anglo‐Saxon sample were tested for applicability on the non‐adult cohorts of the Berinsfield and Exeter Anglo‐Saxon/Early Medieval samples. Differences were observed between diaphyseal age as determined from the skeletal growth profiles for Raunds and calcification age assessed for individuals within the test samples. It is proposed that variation in long bone growth as well as dental age confounds consistent and reliable ageing of skeletal remains based on diaphyseal length. Assessment of changes in health and evaluation of methodological problems inherent to studies of skeletal growth from archaeological populations are discussed. Population comparisons for changes in general health are recommended over individual assessments.

Age estimation from second metacarpals in children.

On the basis of cross-sectional data of 630 boys and 611 girls aged 0 to 19 years investigated during 1959-60, the present study attempts to estimate age from skeletal maturity and measurements (length, width and cortical thickness) of an isolated second metacarpal. A combination of the maturity score with the bone length gives a better estimate of age than either one of the bone measurements or a combination of them. However, the maturity score alone does not necessarily provide a better estimate of age than the bone length. In skeletal remains of immature children, the epiphysis is not usually available to estimate age. Age could be estimated by means of multiple linear equations from the diaphyseal length and width of the second metacarpal with a standard error of 1.26 years in immature children aged 6 to 17 years, regardless of sex. Although, this method certainly seems to be useful for age estimation of a population, it is not necessarily applicable to individuals. In addition, the equation obtained from the variables in this series is not universally applicable to other populations or to Japanese of earlier eras, with the same degree of certainty.

Effects of Resonant Magnetic Fields on Chick Femoral Development In Vitro

To assess the possibility that specific ionic resonances can influence bone development, 8-day chick femoral rudiments were explanted to lens paper rafts in BGJb medium and exposed for 1/2 hr/day to combined 16 or 80 Hz, 2 × 10−5 T (Tesla) peak sinusoidal and various static magnetic fields tuned to calcium, magnesium, potassium (16 Hz), and combined Ca/Mg (80 Hz) ion cyclotron resonances (CR) for I days. Ca/Mg tuned cultures were also exposed to 24, 4, 1, and 1/2 hr/day regimes to test for dose-response. Tuning for Ca, Mg, or Ca/Mg increased rudiment length and mid-shaft diameter, diaphyseal collar length

Effect of gestational sex steroid exposure on limb development and endochondral ossification in the pregnant C57BI/6J mouse: I. Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Although data supporting the teratogenic potential of intrauterine progestin exposure is lacking, concern persists among some individuals within the scientific community that these drugs have the potential for nongenital teratogenesis, especially with regard to limb reduction defects. Our laboratory has been interested in the ontogeny of steroid receptors in the developing embryo and in the role of steroid-receptor interactions in limb development, particularly the process of endochondral ossification. Since limb reduction defects can be produced from abnormal processes that are operative during organogenesis or during midgestation (vascular disruption) we have designed an animal study whereby embryos were exposed to sex steroids throughout organogenesis and fetal development. The present study assesses the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on intrauterine endochrondral bone development specifically, as well as overall embryo-fetal development. Primagravid C57Bl/6J mice were treated via subdermal pellets which deliver MPA at dosages of 5.0, 50.0, and 500.0 mg/kg/day on gestational days 7 through 19. These doses were 25-, 250-, and 2,500-fold higher on a mg/kg basis than the human dose equivalent (HDE). No increases in nongenital malformations were noted at any evaluated MPA dosage level. At 25 X the HDE, MPA did not influence endochondral bone development as evidenced by a lack of significant effects on assessed bone growth parameters. In the 250- and 2,500-fold HDE dosage groups, MPA was shown to exert an embryotoxic effect inducing 48 and 100% resorptions respectively. Mean embryo weights/litter were significantly reduced by MPA exposure at 250 X the HDE. Intrauterine exposure to 250 X the MPA HDE induced reductions in humeral and femoral diaphyseal length in proportion to a reduction in overall growth. The data demonstrate that MPA, administered at dosages of up to several orders of magnitude in excess of the HDE and which permitted embryo survival, did not induce increases in the frequency of nongenital teratogenesis at any dose or gestational stage. Importantly, limb reduction defects were not noted even in instances where the dosage of MPA induced an inhibition of endochondral bone growth.

The biphasic effect of triiodothyronine compared to bone resorbing effect of PTH on bone modelling of mouse long bone in vitro

To examine the effects of T 3 on fetal long bone modelling the radii and ulnae of 16 day old fetal mice were grown in vitro for two days. Their growth, mineralization, and resorption were assessed by measuring diaphyseal length, calcium and phosphorus content, hydroxyproline content, and the release of incorporated 45Ca. The effects of T 3 were compared to the effects of 1–34 PTH, a known resorbing agent, on the same system. Devitalized bones were used as a control. The results showed that T 3 had a biphasic effect. At high concentrations (10 −5 M–10 −6 M) T 3 inhibited the growth of the bones as indicated by their diaphyseal length and hydroxyproline content. Calcium and phosphorus content were significantly decreased while 45Ca release was increased. Similar effects were also found after the addition of 1–34 PTH to the media. However, T 3, at lower concentrations (10 −7 M–10 −9 M), stimulated the growth and calcification of the bones as indicated by an increase in diaphyseal length and the hydroxyproline, calcium, and phosphorus content. 45Ca release was significantly decreased at these concentrations. Neither T 3 nor 1–34 PTH affected devitalized bones in the same system. The results suggest that at physiological concentrations, T 3 has a direct, anabolic effect on bone, which may explain its major role in the growth process of various species. At high doses, however, T 3 stimulates bone resorption in a way similar to PTH.