study of vertebral canal dimensions in ancient Egyptians from the old kingdom

ABSTRACT

The vertebral canal was measured from the lumbar spines of 176 adult individuals of Ancient Egyptians [90 males and 86 females], belonging to the period of the Old Kingdom. Three parameters were recorded [midsagittal diameter, interpedicular diameter and trefoil shape]. The measurements were taken from radiographs of the lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, four physiological stress indicators were examined, enamel hypoplasia, Harris line, cribra orbitalia and porotic hyperostosis. Comparison of our results with those of other populations revealed that the midsagittal diameter is less in ancient Egyptians than Europeans, Africans and Koreans. There was a positive correlation between cirbra orbitalia and small interpedicular diameter at L1, L2, L3 and L4. Trefoil shape could be noticed only at the level of L4 and L5