A Study on Gender Identification using Palatal Rugoscopy

Abstract

Palatal rugae are distinct to every single person, and no two patterns are alike concerning traits, encompassing orientation, length, form, and location. The current study was conducted to identify and determine the association between gender and characteristics of palatal rugae in Kerala and Karnataka population. Analysis of palatal rugae might offer a significant contribution to forensic dentistry, given their unwavering maintenance of shape, arrangement, orientation, and unity throughout an individual's lifespan, except for alterations in size as the palate grows. Sixty maxillary casts (30 from each group including males and females) in Kerala and Karnataka Population were taken and examined in the age group ranging from 18 to 30 years. Palatal rugae pattern were analysed on the right and left sides of the palate for total number, length, shape, direction, and unification according to the Thomas and Kotze’s Classification. Using Graphite pencil the rugae were drawn and compared. Vernier Caliper was used for measuring the length of the Rugae. Total 60 maxillary casts were taken and compared. The total number of rugae was found to be more among females than males. Forward rugae was more in male while backward and perpendicular were more among females. Another significant difference seen would be straight shaped rugae was seen higher in male and curved shape rugae was more among females. And in the unification convergent rugae was seen higher in females and divergent in males. No two palates were seen to be having similar patterns. Palatal rugoscopy can be a better aspect for identification. It can be applied in forensic identification . More researches on palatal rugae would help for a better perspective and to use it in practice.