Morphologic variations of lip-print patterns in a Central Indian population: A preliminary study

Abstract

Lip prints can provide vital information that may be useful for the purposes of forensic investigations. The current study was undertaken with the aims of determining the distribution and predominant lip-print patterns in a Central Indian (Marathi) population and evaluating whether any sex differences exist. The study subjects were 400 healthy consenting volunteers – 200 males and 200 females – aged 18–25 years, from the Marathi community. A simpler and more convenient method of data collection – digital photography – was used. The central (most motile) 1 cm2 portion of both upper and lower lips was analysed digitally. As per Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s classification, overall, Type IV (27.5%) and Type III (6.25%) were found to be the most and least prevalent patterns, respectively. The Type II (32%) lip-print pattern was found to be most predominant in males, while Type IV (32.5%) was found to be most commonly occurring in females. Statistically significant differences ( p < .01) were observed between lip-print pattern types in males and females.