Study of Palatal Rugae Among the Student Population From North - Eastern and Western India

Abstract

Proposed by Torbo Hermosa in 1932, Palatoscopy is the study of palatal rugae pattern. Rugae patterns are stable and unique to every individual just as his/her finger prints and DNA comparisons. Once formed, they stay robust for the rest of our lives and are resistant to burns, chemicals and decomposition. For challenging forensic identification, as needed in mass disasters, major fire outbreaks and decomposition of bodies where finger print data, DNA matching cannot be made available, rugoscopy can be used as an alternative for human identification especially in situations that lead to teeth loss or involve edentulous persons. Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the most prominent rugae patterns in terms of shape, number and orientation and delineate if there are any differences in rugae patterns among individuals from eastern and the western regions of India. Rugae patterns being specific to ethnic groups can be used effectively in population identification. Materials and Methods The rugae patterns were assessed by applying Thomas and Kotze classification and Carrea classification for 50 individuals of the same age group. 25 males and females from North Eastern India and 25 males and females from western India respectively. Association between the Rugae patterns were assessed using independent t test and chi square tests. Results. There was a significant difference present in the number of Rugae in the north eastern and western populations with p = > 0.05. The predominant shape was Wavy followed by curved and straight pattern. Conclusions. Rugae pattern may be an adjunctive method of differentiating between the North-eastern and western populations. A larger sample study might be undertaken to validate this claim. Clinical relevance: Palatal rugae are unique like finger prints and are specific to racial groups facilitating population identification especially in edentulous cases. They are resistant, stable and cost-effective forensic parameters for population identification.