Ives, G, Johns, Sarah E., Deter, Chris (2024) Pelvic scarring: A result of gravidity and parity, or simply evidence of biological potential? Archives of Biology & Life Sciences, . (In press) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:107169)
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Official URL: https://doi.org/DOI: 10.33140/ABLS |
Abstract
Background
Despite extensive research in recent decades, the association between pelvic scarring and obstetric events remains contentious,
with discrepancies exacerbated by sample and methodological inconsistencies. This study revisits the investigation of a
potential link between gravidity (pregnancy) and parity (childbirth) events and commonly observed scar sites on the modern
pelvis using standardised analysis.
Method
A known sample from the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection (TXSTDSC), comprising 169 females and 51 males, was
utilised in the morphometric analysis of four key scar features around the pubic and auricular areas of the pelvis. Associations
between each scar feature and obstetric events were examined within mixed-sex and female-only samples. Cross-tabulation
and Chi-square analyses were utilised to assess simple scar occurrence, while potential associations with scar dimensions
underwent Kendall’s tau-B testing.
Results
Combined-sex analyses revealed significant associations between gravidity and parity, and all scar features but pubic
tubercle extension (p = <0.001 – 0.003). However, associations decreased upon the removal of male samples, with statistical
significance remaining for only the preauricular sulcus (gravidity: p = 0.022; parity: p = 0.047) and superior interosseous
cavity (gravidity: p = 0.002; parity: p = 0.004).
Conclusion
Detailed analysis of results highlights that while the sulcus development is influenced by obstetric events, biological sex plays
a more significant role in presence and severity. The superior cavity appears to be most influenced by the biomechanical stress
caused by pregnancy and vaginal birth – thus making this feature of particular interest and warranting further investigation
with consideration of clinical practice and osteological study.
Item Type: | Article |
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Uncontrolled keywords: | Osteology, Pelvic Scarring, Parturition, Gravidity, Obstetrics |
Subjects: |
R Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1001 Forensic medicine. Medical jurisprudence. Legal medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics > RG551 Pregnancy |
Divisions: |
Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Kent and Medway Medical School Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation |
Funders: | University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56) |
Depositing User: | Sarah Johns |
Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2024 12:47 UTC |
Last Modified: | 10 Sep 2024 08:15 UTC |
Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/107169 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
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