Diagnostic value of micro-CT in comparison with histology in the qualitative assessment of historical human postcranial bone pathologies

Micro-computed tomography (μCT) is of great interest for palaeopathological examination because it is less invasive than histology. This study evaluates the diagnostic value of μCT for postcranial macerated bones.We investigated five specimens (osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, trauma, osteosarcoma and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) of a pathology reference series by μCT and polarised light microscopy.The 3D μCT images allow an easy orientation within the specimen. Surface structures, thickness, continuity of the cortex and number, thickness and orientation of the trabeculae can be evaluated. The high number of μCT slices helps to choose the most interesting areas for further investigations. Grey value images display the degree of mineralisation. Yet, the differentiation between woven and lamellar bone is only possible using polarised light microscopy.μCT is a tool of high value for the examination of postcranial bone disorders. It cannot replace histological examinations completely because it cannot assess the bone quality (woven or lamellar). For the choice of the optimal location where slices for the microscopic investigation are later cut in heterogeneous samples, μCT is very useful. Therefore, we suggest performing the μCT examination first, followed by histology if necessary.