Technical note: Quantifying size and shape of entheses

What is it about?

The size and shape of a structure affects its ability to distribute stress. The aim of this research was to study the variability in size and shape of the enthesis (the attachment of tendons to the skeleton) in relation to body size and the presence of entheseal changes. The results show that there is considerable variation in size and shape and that this is not linked to body size. This indicates that the development of the enthesis is likely closer linked to soft tissue than bone development.

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Why is it important?

The muscle-bone interface has been less widely researched than other areas of the musculoskeletal system. However, archaeologically it has been widely used to study the effect of activity-patterns including the social division of labour. By understanding the normal variability in size and shape, alongside the variability when entheseal changes are present, this study aimed to better understand the biomechanical impact on the enthesis.