Abstract
Background The relationship between handedness and digital dermatoglyphic patterns has never been investigated in the Sinhalese population. The goal of this study is to establish the above mentioned relationship, which would positively aid personal identification. Findings One hundred Sinhalese students (50 right-handed and 50 left-handed) were studied for their digital dermatoglyphic pattern distribution. The results show that a statistically significant correlation exists for digit 3 (P=0.002, Fisher’s exact test) of the right hand and digit 1 (P=0.002, Fisher’s exact test) and digit 2 (P=0.021, Fisher’s exact test) of the left hand. Further, whorl patterns are more common in right-handed than left-handed Sinhalese students. Conclusions Statistically significant differences in handedness and digital dermatoglyphic patterns were evident among Sinhalese people. Further study with a larger sample size is recommended.
Highlights
Fingerprints are a unique form of evidence that greatly contribute towards personal identification in forensic science[1]
A statistically significant correlation was observed in digital dermatoglyphic patterns between right and left-handed people for digit 5 (Ulnar loop; P = 0.0449 and radial loop; P = 0.0248 by Fisher’s exact test)
On the digit 2 of left hand of lefthanded students found to have more ulnar loop (63%) compared to left handers (34%), followed by 40% whorl on right handed compared to 23% whorl in left handed
Summary
Fingerprints (digital dermatoglyphics) are a unique form of evidence that greatly contribute towards personal identification in forensic science[1]. Because they are unique for each individual and are strongly influenced by genetics, they perform a significant role in anthropology, human genetics, ethnology and medicine. They are characterized by alternating strips of raised friction ridges and grooves present in a variety of patterns[2]. The results show that a statistically significant correlation exists for; digit 5 (Ulnar loop; P= 0.0449 and radial loop; P= 0.0248 by Fisher’s exact test) of the right hand in female, digit 1 (radial loop; P=0.0248 by Fisher’s exact test) and digit 2 (Ulnar loop; P=0.0306) of the left hand in females, digit 3 (Ulnar loop; P= 0.0486 and whorl; P= 0.0356 by Fisher’s exact test) and digit 4 (Ulnar loop; P= 0.0449 and whorl; P= 0.0301 by Fisher’s exact test) of the right hand in males, digit 4 (whorl; P=0.0160 by Fisher’s exact test) of the left hand in males
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