Palatal Rugae Patterns as an Adjuvant to Gender Determination in Forensic Identification Procedures in a Paediatric Population

Abstract

Identification of an individual who is either living or dead is based on the assumption that all individuals are unique. Whenever an unidentified corpse is found, the individual is classified into characteristic groups and finally the various possibilities are narrowed down. In the present day scenario, countless number of heinous and inconceivable crimes and catastrophes have led to the need for new possibilities in identification of human remains. Most often whenever forensic identification is incomplete owing to the lack of availability of DNA, fingerprints or dental records, palatal rugae patterns can serve as a reliable adjunct to forensic identification procedures. Palatal Rugae can be compared to ones finger prints in the sense that they remain stable throughout life. The rugae patterns are unaffected by physical and chemical injuries and hence can serve as reliable tool in gender determination and forensic identification procedures. The aim of this study was to record the palatal rugae patterns in terms of shape length and orientation to assess gender variations in a paediatric population of six to twelve years. They were divided into two groups of equal males and females of age groups 6-9 years and 10-12 years respectively. The Thomas and Kotze classification of rugae was used for the analysis which was based on the linear dimension, shape and unification of the rugae. Study models 80 maxillary impressions were prepared using dental stone: 20 males (6-9 years), 20 females (6-9 years), 20 males (10-12 years), 20 females (10-12 years). The results revealed that primary rugae was the most commonly found pattern. Primary rugae are seen more in males of 10-12 years and this was found to be statistically significant. However, there were no statistically significant differences among the other rugae patterns among males and females in the two age groups. Wavy rugae are the most common rugae based on shape. Based on unification, divergent rugae were more common than convergent rugae.