Comparative Histomorphometric Analysis of Short and Flat Bones in Human Skeletal Remains
Clinton David Orupabo
*
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Sarimachim Karina Elenwo
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Bone histomorphometry provides valuable microstructural information for forensic identification, even when skeletal remains are fragmented or morphologically compromised.
Aims: The study aims to evaluate and compare histomorphometric parameters of short and flat bones in human skeletal remains.
Study Design: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design that employed comparative anatomy.
Place & duration of study: The study was carried out using skeletal collections from the Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, within a period of one year, spanning Feb.2025 and Feb.2026.
Methodology: 30 adult bone samples comprising ribs, sternum, and calcaneus were used. Undecalcified bone sections were prepared and analyzed using digital microscopy and image analysis software. Quantitative parameters measured included primary and secondary osteons, osteon fragments, Haversian canal diameter, and maximum osteon diameter. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, independent-samples t tests, and analysis of remodeling and preservation indices.
Results: Ribs exhibited the highest osteon population and remodeling activity, with a mean secondary osteon count of 8.00 ± 1.36 and the highest OS/OF ratio (0.58). Sternum bones demonstrated intermediate remodeling patterns, while calcaneus bones displayed minimal osteon population but significantly larger Haversian canals and osteon diameters. Osteon Fragmentation Index (OFI) analysis indicated superior histological preservation in ribs and sternum compared with calcaneus. These findings demonstrate statistically significant (p≤0.05) histomorphometric differences between short and flat bones, highlighting the importance of bone-specific reference data in forensic histology.
Conclusion: The ribs appear to provide the most reliable microstructural indicators for histomorphometric assessment in fragmented skeletal remains.
Keywords: Bone histomorphometry, bone remodeling, forensic anthropology, osteons, short bones, flat bones, skeletal remains