Ut. Iwaniec et al., METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF ESTIMATING TOTAL OSTEON DENSITY IN THE HUMAN ANTERIOR MID-DIAPHYSEAL FEMUR, American journal of physical anthropology, 107(1), 1998, pp. 13-24
In order to preserve whole bone integrity and minimize destruction, pa
leohistologists often rely on histomorphometric data obtained from sma
ll areas (1.5-50 mm(2)) sampled within the anterior mid-diaphyseal fem
ur. Because bone exhibits significant histological variation, the vali
dity of results based on such sampling is questionable. The accuracy o
f various subareas (columns, rows, squares approximating dimensions an
d locations assessed by paleohistologists) in predicting total osteon
density in the anterior mid-diaphyseal femur is assessed in the presen
t study. Thirty-five specimens (12.7 mm wide, 100 mu m thick, average
area 56.7 mm2) were chosen at random from a skeletal population of 94
Inuits and Pueblo agriculturists. The specimens were photographed and
enlarged; an acetate grid (12 columns, 10 rows, 120 squares, square =
1 mm(2) of bone surface) was superimposed over the photograph; and sec
ondary osteons and fragments were identified. Alternate columns (50% t
otal area, T.Ar) predicted over 98% of entire section total osteon den
sity. Two column combinations (15% T.Ar), separated by at least one co
lumn, predicted 91 to 95% of total osteon density. Individual column (
8% T.Ar) predictability ranged from 48 to 86%. Two row combination (32
to 40% T.Ar) predictability values ranged from 86 to 95%. Individual
rows (<1 to 20% T.Ar) predicted from 45 to 92% of total variation. Com
binations of squares approximating areas and locations assessed by oth
er paleohistologists ranged in predictability values from 80 to 94%, T
he results demonstrate that subareas of as little as 15% predict 95% o
f variation in total osteon density in the entire anterior mid-diaphys
eal femoral section. A minimization of histological area evaluated wit
hout the loss of accuracy allows for a minimization of time invested i
n data collection and the utilization of partially damaged specimens.