11 Overview and directions for future research

There have been considerable developments in the investigation, and integration of information on metabolic bone diseases into bioarchaeological research since the publication of the first edition of this book in 2008. In this chapter the current state and future directions of bioarchaeological investigations of the metabolic bone diseases are evaluated. Approaches to paleopathological diagnosis are reviewed and potential use of the biological approach to supplement the traditional comparative approach summarised. The way in which historical sources can provide greater contextual information is summed up. Information is provided on ways paleopathology data on metabolic diseases has been integrated into studies using various theoretical approaches. The relevance of metabolic bone diseases to public health and modern medicine are evaluated and final thoughts on recent developments and future directions are summarised.