Palatal rugae patterns in individuals identification: a forensic study

Author: 
Janardhanam Dineshshankar., Nalliappan Ganapathy., Thukanaykanpalayam Ragunathan Yoithapprabhunath., Vadivel Ilayaraja., Arumugasamy Niranjana and Akbarsait Rosun

Introduction: The anatomical folds of Rugae those are located on the anterior third of palate behind the incisive papillae. They are also known as "Plica palatine," and the study of these patterns is called Palatal rugoscopy. Rugae pattern will remain unchanged during life time of an individual. Personal identification can be possible based on the rugae pattern since palate would remain intact till 7 days after death, due to their internal position in the head when most other anatomical structures are destroyed or burned. Rugae pattern is as unique to a human as his or her fingerprints.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to identify this present study is an attempt to determine the various patterns of rugae and to see which rugae pattern is predominant in male and female population.

Materials and Methods: 300 maxillary study models, 150 from each group are taken from the outpatient of Vivekanandha Dental College included in the present study. Palatal rugae pattern were examined in both sexes to see which pattern is predominant.

Results: The study revealed that although there were significant differences in the pattern of rugae in both genders. The females showed more of the wavy type of rugae, while males had curved type.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that different rugae patterns are present which show sexual dimorphism among the population. Rugae pattern can be used as a significant method for identification in forensic science.

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