Characteristics of palatal rugae patterns in west godavari population of India

Palatal rugae refer to the ridges on the anterior part of the palatal mucosa, each side of the median palatal raphe and behind the incisive papilla. Various studies on different populations have reported unique rugal patterns within each population.

To study, analyse and report the significant palatal rugae patterns among West Godavari District population and compare with the patterns reported in the literature, which can aid as an additional method of identification in cases of crime or mass disasters.

Pre-orthodontic casts of 100 samples (50 males and 50 females) were selected. The method of identification of the rugae pattern used was that of Thomas et al (1983) which includes the number, shape and unification patterns of rugae. The different types of rugae between males and females were statistically analyzed and compared with other population studies in the literature.

A statistically insignificant (p>0.05) higher mean primary rugae scores was found in males (7.48±2.45) while secondary (3.38±2.02) and tertiary (2.56±1.84) rugae were more among females. Both genders showed predominance in wavy (males = 4.82±1.91 and females = 4.74±1.98) type of distribution.Commonly observed pattern in the mode of unification was converging (58%) in males and diverging pattern (62%) among femaleswhich was statistically significant (p=0.04).

The findings showed a specific rugae pattern in this group when compared to other populations reported in the literature. Palatal rugae patterns are definitely associated with regional variation and can aid as an additional tool in forensic identification procedures.