Palatal rugoscopy as an adjunct for sex determination in forensic odontology (Sri Ganganagar population): A cross-sectional study of 100 subjects

INTRODUCTION: Palatorugoscopy is the term used to study the rugae patterns. The word rugae came from the Greek word seam. Moreover, it relates the crisscrossing or joining or stitching of the parts of two biological structures during fetal differentiation. The aim of this study is to determine the gender difference in rugae pattern with regard to length, number, shape, unification and direction in the population of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to determine the gender difference in rugae pattern with regard to length, number, shape, unification and direction; to investigate the difference in division of rugae in males and females and to compare rugae pattern in males and females of different age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 100 subjects, in which 50 were males (Group A) and other 50 were females (Group B). After the formation of primary cast, all quantitative as well as qualitative characteristics of palatal rugae patterns were recorded. Mainly, two classifications were used in this study, Thomas et al. and Kapali et al. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student t-test was used, and “P” value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A statistically significant value was found in left-sided palatal rugae patterns depending upon the size, where we found that primary rugae were more in males. On comparing the angulation of palatal rugae patterns of left-sided rugae, a statistically significant value was found among the negative angulation which was higher in male subjects. Next, while comparing the angulation of palatal rugae of right side, we found a statistically significant value among zero (perpendicular rugae), which was more in male population. On comparing the unification of right-sided rugae patterns, we found that divergent rugae were more in male subjects. CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae patterns act as individualistic, and are unique patterns, and are helpful in determining the human gender. Further, more studies are required on palatal rugae patterns used in forensics on large population scale.