Radiopaque transverse lines (Harris lines) in the prehispanic population of El Hierro (Canary Islands).

ABSTRACT

Harris lines were assessed in 48 right tibiae of prehispanic inhabitants of El Hierro (one of the Canary Islands), belonging to 23 adult females and 25 adult males. No Harris lines were detected in sixteen (33%) of the adult individuals (7 females = 30% and 9 males = 36%), these differences are not statistically significant. Female tibiae showed a slightly higher mean number of Harris lines at the distal end than male ones (2.091 +/- 1.9 in females vs 1.417 +/- in males). Ages at which Harris lines were formed show two peaks, a major one at the age of 2 years, and another one between 11 and 13, particularly in the females. Harris lines were more frequently observed at the proximal than at the distal end of the bone. No relation was found between the number of Harris lines and stature. The relative high number of lines detected in our population speak for several stressful episodes suffered during growth.