Digitising and Image-Processing of Radiographs to Enhance Interpretation in Avian Palaeopathology.

Abstract

Although the study of palaeopathology is less developed for avian bones than for human or other vertebrate remains, skeletal pathologies have been noted in the bones of a range of bird species of all periods, from many parts of the world. Such studies make use of x-radiographs as an aid to differential diagnosis, to image features of the pathology that may not be apparent to the unassisted eye. Bird bones are often thin yet highly mineralised, and offer a particular challenge to the radiographer. Conventional medical or veterinary radiographic techniques are not optimal for ancient material, yet are commonly applied. Here we show that the quality of the x-ray image can be greatly enhanced by applying quite simple techniques. Furthermore, digitisation of the x-radiograph allows commercially available image manipulation software to be used to add further enhancement and to explore specific details of the image. We demonstrate the use of these techniques in the investigation of a number of avian palaeopathology specimens.