Paleoradiologic Techniques

Abstract

X-ray imaging is used in three main types of human bioarcheological investigations. The first deals with the identification of anatomical structures that allow the determination of the stature, age at death, and gender. The second is to identify diseases in ancient skeletal remains and mummies. The last is the study of hominid fossils embedded in a burial matrix (Chhem and Ruhli 2004). In order to achieve these goals, bioarcheologists may need to undertake several steps. Bioarcheological materials can be submitted first to an x-ray investigation, and high-quality images can be obtained. The images are stored either on the traditional x-ray films or, more recently, on digital data supports. The ideal image analysis will be performed by radiologists with not only a qualification in musculoskeletal pathologies, but also equipped with an adequate and working knowledge of ancient bioarcheological materials. Alternatively, there can be collaboration between bioarcheologist and radiologist. These steps underline the need for adequate xray equipment and appropriate qualification in paleoradiology (Chhem 2006). X-ray studies have also been used to evaluate cultural material from archeological settings (Lang and Middleton 1997).