A repeatable geometric morphometric approach to the analysis of hand entheseal three-dimensional form.

The introduced methodology can set a reliable basis for further research on the factors affecting entheseal shape. Using both size and shape, variables can provide further information on entheseal variation and its biomechanical implications. The low entheseal variation by age verifies that specimens under 50 years of age are not substantially affected by age-related changes. The lack of correlation between entheseal shape and bone length or age implies that other factors may regulate entheseal surfaces. Future research should focus on multivariate shape patterns among entheses and their association with occupation.