The influence of relative body breadth on the diaphyseal morphology of the human lower limb. Issue 6 (28th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Thomas G.; Stock, Jay T.
• Is Part Of: American journal of human biology. Volume 26:Issue 6(2014:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 822
• Page End: 835
• Publication Date: 2014-08-28
• Subjects: Human biology -- Periodicals; Physical anthropology -- Periodicals; Biologie humaine -- Périodiques; Anthropologie physique -- Périodiques; 612
• DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22606
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-0533

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajhb22606-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>Variation in relative body breadth between individuals is potentially a significant influence on the biomechanical loading placed upon the lower limb. This study investigates the influence of relative body breadth on the periosteal geometry of the diaphyses of the limb bones among individuals from a broad range of human populations.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajhb22606-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>This study applies a 3D laser scanning approach to the extraction and analysis of periosteal cross‐sectional properties throughout the diaphyses of the femur and tibia to test for influences of body shape on diaphyseal morphology throughout the lower limb. Analyses are based on data collected from seven populations, encompassing a broad range of modern human variation in body shape.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajhb22606-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Hypertrophy of the proximal end of the femur diaphysis in wider bodied individuals is observed and appears to extend at least as far as the femur midshaft, while the mid diaphyseal region of the tibia is the least influenced by body shape. However correlations with relative body breadth were also observed towards the distal end of the femur diaphysis and towards both ends of the tibial diaphysis, especially among females.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajhb22606-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Relative body breadth is correlated with the periosteal geometry of the lower limb bones, particularly towards the proximal end of the femur diaphysis, but correlations in other regions also suggest integration of the diaphyseal geometry with epiphyseal dimensions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:822–835, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>