title: Variability in humeral dimensions in a sample of modern human females: Implications for measuring cortical bone loss.
abstract: Using data from a skeletal collection of early 20(th) century humans, this study explores characteristics of humeral measurements regarding assessment of gross cortical bone loss. The sample consists of 22 probable females, with estimated ages ranging from young to older adult and concentrated in middle adulthood. Multiple direct measurements reflecting bone quantity, including internal cortical bone and medullary cavity thickness and area, as well as external shaft and joint surface dimensions, are analyzed in an attempt to ascertain which measurement types, sites, and axes are most and least variable. Variability is specifically assessed through coefficients of variation and F-ratios. External dimensions are generally lower in dispersion than internal measures. Among cortical dimensions, percentage cortical area exhibits the least variability. The midshaft and distal sites appear substantially comparable in variability. Similar overall dispersion is also shown for the anteroposterior and mediolateral orientations. Recommendations concerning consistency of measurement and effectiveness in revealing cortical bone loss among living subjects and archaeological specimens are offered. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:118-127, 2000. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.
authors.forename: Penelope A.
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: McLorg