3D recording of normal entheses

Abstract

The study of past activity-patterns in skeletal remains is a widespread question, particularly using the entheses; zones at which the soft and hard tissues of the musculoskeletal system interface. These zones are complex and it is only recently, with the advent of cheaper equipment, that they have been recorded in three-dimensions. This pilot project aims to test a faster method for recording entheses in three-dimensions to calculate area and the root mean square (RMS) through a section of the enthesis at midpoint. The secondary aim was to determine variation in normal enthesis area and RMS and how this relates to proxies for body size. Identified skeletons of labourers curated in the identified skeletal collection in Coimbra were recorded using a NextEngine(TM) HD Desktop 3D laser scanner and its proprietary software. Results demonstrate that error, when data are collected over a long period of time, is a significant problem. No statistically significant associations were found between enthesis area and body size proxies nor for RMS and enthesis area. This contrasts with other three-dimensional studies and could be the effect of only recording normal entheses, the occupational category, small sample size or the error rates.