A Comparative Analysis of Palatal Ruga Patterns among Gorkha and North-East Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Palatal rugae are resistant to changes due to trauma or aging. Ruga patterns, being unique to each individual, are valuable for personal identification. The study aims to assess the applicability of palatoscopy for differentiation amongst North-east Indians and Gorkhas in India. Materials and Methods: Sample comprised a total of 100 subjects divided into two groups of 50 each for Gorkha (Group I) and North-east Indian (Group II) population. Alginate impressions were made and models were obtained. Data was recorded after tracing palatal rugae on models. Analysis of rugae for number, side- wise distribution, shape, length, and direction was undertaken. Statistical analysis was carried out and probability value was obtained. Results: After analyzing the rugae patterns in both the groups, total number of rugae was more in Group I as compared to Group II. Total number of rugae on right and left sides each was more in Group I than in Group II. The curved pattern was found to be predominant in both groups. Divergent rugae were predominant in both groups. Maximum rugae were primary and were forwardly directed. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between groups for parameters assessed. Conclusion: Palatoscopy independently was not able to differentiate between individuals of the two test populations. Palatoscopy may assist in the identification process in conjunction with cheiloscopy and intraoral photography. Palatoscopy, on the account of its stability and easy reproducibility, should be encouraged among dentists for maintenance of patient records for forensic identification.

Role of Forensic Odontology in Identification of Persons: A Review Article

“…The dentition and buccal adipose tissue protect the palatal rugae from deformation caused by trauma or extreme temperatures. These rugae can be well preserved for a few days after death [22]. The proposal to utilize palatal rugae designs for personal documentation was initially introduced in the study of Allen in 1989 [23].…”

“…Orientation was assessed by measuring the angle between the origin and termination axis of each ruga and the perpendicular to the raphe of the mid-palatine. Rugae were classified as forwardly positioned (positive angles), backwardly (negative angles), and zero degrees (perpendicular to the raphe of the median palatine) [22].…”