The value of bone pathologies in the forensic anthropological practice

The study of bone pathologies on dry bone is primarily used in archaeology but also presents potential for forensic anthropology. Human paleopathology is defined as the study of diseases in past populations through the examination of human remains. However, many of the diseases that were observed in the past are still present today. Therefore, the terminology of the discipline may be further investigated so as to reflect both anthropological and forensic perspectives. In fact, one of the most important steps in the forensic anthropology practice is the construction of a precise and reliable biological profile, which should systematically include the diagnosis of pathologies. This biological profile is particularly pivotal for the identification of unknown deceased or in cases of mass catastrophes. Indeed, when primary means of identification cannot be used (e.g. migrants of the Mediterranean), any element may prove decisive. In these cases, the diagnosis of bone pathologies can provide an additional element for identification when compared to antemortem data, and at the very least, aid in the search for a better match. A new research on pathological bone markers has been undertaken in the LABANOF (Milan) based on the study of an identified skeletal collection of 2127 skeletal remains with known causes of death and related pathologies, the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. A documented and precise knowledge from modern data on bone pathologies based on identified individuals will allow a more reliable pathological investigation of past populations and may help in the identification process, in particular in the current migration context.