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Published on: September 19, 2015
Morphology of palatal rugae patterns among 5-15 years old children
Vilvanathan Prabu Rajan1, John Baby John, Ariudinambi Stalin
1Department of Pedodontics, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research, Thokavadi, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Palatal rugae patterns show gender differences in children, with females exhibiting more primary rugae. These unique patterns may aid in forensic identification alongside other methods.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Odontology
- Human Anatomy
- Anthropology
Background:
- Palatal rugae shape and orientation are determined by underlying connective tissue fibers.
- Rugae develop from localized epithelial proliferation and thickening.
- Fibroblast and collagen fiber orientation influences rugae morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and gender differences in palatal rugae patterns.
- To analyze rugae in children aged 5-15 years.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dental stone casts from children aged 5-15 years.
- Application of the Thomas and Kotze classification system (1983).
Main Results:
- A higher prevalence of primary rugae patterns was observed in females.
- The predominant rugae shapes were 'wave' and 'cure' in both genders.
- No circular rugae patterns were found in the study population.
- No statistically significant gender differences in rugae direction or unification were noted.
Conclusions:
- Palatal rugae exhibit unique, fingerprint-like characteristics.
- Rugae patterns can potentially assist in personal identification within forensic science.
- Combined with other forensic methods, rugae analysis can narrow identification possibilities.
Introduction:
"The fibers running anteroposteriorly within the core and in concentric curves across the base of each ruga" determine their orientation and forms. The varying shapes of palatal rugae can be attributed to the fact that rugae develop as localized regions of epithelial proliferation and thickening. Fibroblasts and collagen fibers then accumulate in the connective tissue beneath the thickened epithelium and assume distinct orientation.
Aim:
The aim of the present study was to assess the morphology, gender difference of rugae pattern in 5-15 year old children.
Materials And Methods:
The various diagnostic dental stone cast available in Department of Pedodontics were analyzed by the method based on Thomas and Kotze classification in 1983.
Results:
There was a female prediction in the total count and primary rugae pattern. Comparing the shapes of rugae both in male and female study models showed a predominance in wave shape followed by cure. No circular pattern was observed in the study population. No statistical difference in the direction and unification of rugae among males and females.
Conclusion:
The fingerprint-like uniqueness of rugae to each individual has become accepted as a possible aid to person identification. This may help narrow the field for identification and give results in conjunction with the other methods such as visual, fingerprints, and dental characteristics in forensic sciences.
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