The Histopathological Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains

Compared to its application in a clinical context, histology is far less often used as a tool to diagnose disease in skeletonized human remains. Although the histopathological analysis of dry bone is associated with several limitations and challenges, it can still add essential information to the diagnostic process. To assist practitioners who are interested in the histopathology of skeletal human remains, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all its relevant aspects. An introduction into the basic histopathology of bone (and how this relates to skeletonized remains) is followed by a discussion of the most commonly encountered limitations and challenges, and the various available microscopic methods. A discussion of how histology should be incorporated in the broader diagnostic workup is then followed by an overview of the most relevant bone diseases, and how histology may aid in their diagnosis. The latter section includes (various types of) metabolic bone disease, infections, tumors, and trauma.