Assessment of rugaoscopic pattern to compare with gender identifi cation in Andhra Pradesh population: An institutional study

Abstract

Background: Palatal rugae are anatomically asymmetrical and irregular ridges in the anterior palatal region. The palatal ruages were demonstrated to be useful in the field of forensic dentistry. This study was taken to assess the ruage patter to compare with gender identification in those who had attended dental institutions in Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 subjects were included in the present study, those who attended a dental institution as a prospective cross sectional study. The rugae patterns were marked and classified according to Kapali et al., 1997, based on morphological pattern. Results: Female participants were more numerous in study samples when compared with males. The palatal ruage in female participants showed a higher incidence of wavy, circular, and divergent patterns, while male participants showed straight, curved, wavy, and convergent rugae patterns. Comparison of gender with respect to the mean number of rugae patterns on the right and left sides using a student t-test revealed that there was no stastically significant (p≥0.05). Conclusion: The rugae pattern can be one of the important aspects in the field of forensic odontology. The palate represents a suitable landmark for unique and identifying features, with the additional benefit of survival in most post-mortem events that can disrupt or change other body parts. Key word: Gender identification, Identification, Palatal rugae, Palatoscopy