Paleoepidemiology of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in Portugal since the Mesolithic: a transdisciplinary study

Duration: 2012 – ongoing

Abstract: This project aims to: 1.) Reconstruct the epidemiological patterns of osteoporosis and the fragility fractures in a group of archaeological and museum-based skeletal samples from Portugal, spanning the centuries between the Mesolithic and the late 20th century. 2.) Highlight and interpret the relations between osteoporosis, the osteoporotic fractures, and their various possible contributory factors, especially those associated with different cultural and social values, lifestyles or behaviours. 3.) Consider the geometric properties of the proximal femur (2D dimensions and 3D shape analyses) and their relations with fractures (especially fractures of the hip and the distal radius). 4.) Generate a biomechanical and anatomical model of the proximal femur to investigate shape variability in this area and its implications for the production of hip implants.

Coordinator: Francisco Curate

Participants: Francisco Curate

Partner institutions: Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra (HUC)

Financial support: Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, PTDC/CS ‐ ANT/120173/2010