Gender Determination Using Morphological Analysis of Palatal Rugae Patterns – A Retrospective Study.

Background: Palatal rugae are unique for an individual and remain unchanged during individual's lifetime. Application of palatal rugae analysis as a method in gender identification needs to be confirmed with more scientific studies. The objectives of the present study were to assess the distribution of the palatal rugae patterns in Kerala population and compare the distribution of these parameters between males and females. Materials & Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by evaluating the casts of 100 dentate individuals, between the age of 18 and 30 years. The rugae were divided into two halves and patterns were then assessed as per Thomas and Kotze classification. Independent sample t-test was used to assess the significant difference of each type of palatal rugae between males and females. Results: Wavy rugae (mean – 5.6 ± 0.7) was predominant among males whereas curved (mean – 4.6 ± 0.6) and circular rugae (mean – 0.9 ± 0.3) were more in females, and were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean number of secondary rugae in females (1.5 ± 0.5) was greater than that of males (1.3 ± 0.4), and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The diverging type was commonly found in females compared to males. Conclusion: Our findings showed statistically significant differences in the shapes and patterns of rugae between males and females among Kerala population. Thus, morphological analysis of palatal rugae can be considered as an additional aid in forensic odontology for gender differentiation.

Correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex / Correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo

SUMMARY: To investigate the correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex. The study sample consisted of 120 students studying from Shanxi Medical University, of which 60 were females and 60 were males. The digital model of the palatal rugae was obtained by the 3 Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. And the shapes of palatal rugae were recorded. Association between palatal rugae shape and sex were tested using Chi-square analysis. And logistic regression analysis (LRA) was carried out to calculate the accuracy of gender prediction using rugae shapes. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of the distribution of wavy and circular palate rugae. The use of logistic regression analysis obtained a sex predictive value of 65 % when all the rugae shapes were analyzed. Digital images of the palatal rugae morphology contribute to more accurate and convenient for data collection and transformation. It was found that rugae patterns can moderately identify the sex of the specific population when multivariate statistics such as LRA is applied. The palatal rugae morphology can be utilized as an assistant measure for sex identification.

RESUMEN: Investigar la correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo. En la muestra de este estudio se incluyeron 120 estudiantes de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi, (60 mujeres y 60 hombres). El modelo digital de las rugas palatinas se obtuvo mediante escáner intraoral 3 Shape TRIOS, y se registraron las formas de las rugas palatinas. La asociación entre la forma de las rugas palatinas y el sexo se evaluó mediante un análisis de Chi-cuadrado; para calcular la precisión de la predicción de sexo se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística (ARL) Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres en términos de la distribución de las rugas palatinas onduladas y circulares. El uso de análisis de regresión logística obtuvo un valor predictivo de sexo del 65 % cuando se analizaron todas las formas de las rugas. Las imágenes digitales de la morfología de las rugas palatinas contribuyen a una recopilación de datos más precisa. En este análisis se determinó que los patrones de rugas pueden identificar relativamente el sexo de una población específica, cuando se aplican estadísticas multivariadas como ARL. La morfología de las rugas palatinas se puede utilizar como medida de ayuda para la identificación de sexo.

Análisis morfológico de rugosidades palatinas en una población costarricense / Morphological analysis of palatal rugae pattern in Costa Rican population

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer los patrones morfológicos presentes en las rugosidades palatinas de una población costarricense mediante el método de Trobo y efectuar un análisis estadístico con las variables de sexo, edad y afinidad biológica. Se eligiron al azar 70 pacientes a los que se realizaron impresiones y modelos dentales superiores, se documentó el sexo, edad y afinidad biológica de cada uno, junto con el consentimiento informado. Se analizó estadísticamente la distribución de patrones de género, edad y afinidad biológica. Las técnicas para el análisis de la información fueron las distribuciones de frecuencia, cruce de variables, comparación de medias con base en el análisis de variancia, coeficiente de correlación de Spearman; pruebas de Chi cuadrado, para evaluar la independencia entre las características de edad y sexo. Estas pruebas señalan un predominio de tipos de rugas palatinas rectas y de tipo simples tanto en la población masculina como femenina, sin encontrarse variación en el número de rugas asociadas a sexo o afinidad biológica; pero sí se determinó diferencia por grupo de edad, disminuyen en número conforme se incrementa la edad. Por otra parte no se presentó dimorfismo por sexo, lateralidad ni posición.

Abstract The present study aimed to establish the morphological patterns present in the palatal rugae in a Costa Rican population by means of the Trobo method and to carry out a statistical analysis with the variables of sex, age and biological affinity. Seventy patients were randomly chosen to whom impressions and superior dental models were made, the sex, age and biological affinity of each one was documented, together with the informed consent. The distribution of gender, age and biological affinity patterns was statistically analyzed. The techniques for the analysis of the information were the frequency distributions, crossing of variables, comparison of means based on the analysis of variance, Spearman's correlation coefficient; Chi square tests, to evaluate the independence between the characteristics of age and sex. These tests indicate a predominance of straight and simple types of palatal rugae in both the male and female population, with no variation in the number of rugae associated with sex or biological affinity; but a difference was determined by age group, they decrease in number as age increases. On the other hand, there was no dimorphism due to sex, laterality or position.

Computerized morphometry of the area of the hard palate and of palatal rugae: a cross-sectional study / Morfometría computarizada del área del paladar duro y de las arrugas palatinas: un estudio transversal

Abstract Background: The evaluation of palatal rugae in human identification is important because these structures can remain intact for up to seven days after death. Aim: To compare the area and density of the palatal rugae between ages groups and genders. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: Dental plaster models obtained from patients at the Orthodontic Clinic of University of Uberaba were selected. Two hundred patients were divided into four groups: Group 1:10-15 years; Group 2:16-30 years; Group 3:31-50 years; and Group 4:51-70 years. The palatal rugae and hard palate of each plaster model were outlined and photographed. The evaluation of the area of the hard palate and palatal rugae was performed using the ImageJ software. Statistical analysis used: Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests using GraphPad Prism 5 statistical software. Results and conclusión: The areas of the palatal rugae and of the hard palate were significantly smaller in the group 4. There was a significant negative correlation between age and palatal rugae area, and between age and hard palatal area. The present study was the first to demonstrate that patients between 51 and 70 years have a smaller palatal rugae area and a smaller hard palate area when compared to other groups. Thus, the evaluation of the hard palate area and of palatal rugae could be used as an adjunct with other methods to determine the age group of an individual; however studies using larger sample size are needed to validate this observation.

The Region of Interest in Boundary Calibration for Palatal Ru-gae Image of Forensic Identification / 法医学杂志

Objective To examine the method of least-square fitting for calibrating the palatal rugae boundary. Methods According to the distribution of the teeth, the feature points were selected; when they were fit, the boundary of the palatal rugae area was created, thereby constructing a mask. The mask was used to remove the part located outside the boundary and filter out the interference. Three samples were utilized for the ex-periments and analyses to come. Results To evaluate the quantitative results of the fitting curves, the correla-tion coefficients(r)of the samples and the relationship between the actual mean value and ideal mean value was obtained through six fitting processes. The differences between the actual mean and ideal mean were found to be significantly small (from 0.2857 to 2.5000) in the six fitting processes, with the range of r close to 1(from 0.9896 to 0.9995). Conclusion The effect of the cubic polynomial fitting method adopted in this study was stable.The proposed boundary calibration method can effectively locate the palatal rugae boundary and remove the interference area, further promoting the practice of forensic identification.

Developmental association of palatal dimensions and palatal rugae characteristics in Angle´s classes I, II and III of malocclusion / Asociación de desarrollo de las dimensiones palatinas y las características de las rugas palatinas en las clases I, II y III de maloclusión de Angle

During development, bony changes in the palate are reflected in the palatal rugae. Therefore, we hypothesized that the palatal dimensions (PD) influence the shape and number of palatal rugae (PR). The objectives were to record the palatal rugae characteristics (PRC) and palatal dimensions (intercanine distance (ICD), intermolar distance (IMD), palatal height (PH) and palatal area (PA) in Classes I, II and III malocclusion patients and investigate their interrelationship, and statistically examine the possibility of predicting PRC with the PD. Four hundred eighty-one pre-orthodontic study casts of healthy patients with normal palate anatomy were grouped as Classes I, II and III and scanned using 3D cast scanner. The PRC, ICD, IMD, PH, and PA were recorded digitally using 3D enabled software. The data was statistically analyzed. A strong statistically significant difference was observed between PA and number of straight and wavy rugae. ICD and the number of straight rugae were also related. A weak correlation exists between malocclusion classes and PA. The remaining rugae characteristics did not exhibit any relation with palatal dimensions. PA is positively related to the number of straight rugae and negatively related to the number of wavy rugae. Bigger palates have more straight rugae and less number of wavy rugae. A weak correlation between PA and Angle's class I malocclusion exists. We also propose that PA has a developmental association with the number and shape of PR.

Durante el desarrollo, los cambios óseos en el paladar se reflejan en las rugas palatinas. Por lo tanto, planteamos la hipótesis de que las dimensiones palatinas influyen en la forma y el número de las rugas palatinas. Los objetivos fueron registrar las características de las rugas palatinas y las dimensiones palatales (distancia intercanina, distancia intermolar, altura palatina y área palatina) en pacientes con maloclusión de clases I, II y III e investigar su interrelación, y examinar estadísticamente la posibilidad de predecir las características de las rugas palatinas con las dimensiones palatinas. Cuatrocientos ochenta y un estudios pre-ortodónticos de pacientes sanos con anatomía normal del paladar se agruparon como Clases I, II y III y se escanearon con un escáner de emisión 3D. La distancia intercanina, distancia inter molar, altura palatina y área palatina se registraron digitalmente utilizando el software 3D. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la altura palatina y el número de rugas rectas y onduladas. Se registró también la distancia intercanina y el número de rugas rectas. Existe una correlación débil entre las clases de maloclusión y la altura palatina. Las características restantes de las rugas palatinas no mostraron ninguna relación con las dimensiones palatinas. El área palatina está relacionada positivamente con el número de rugas rectas y negativamente relacionada con el número de rugas onduladas. Los paladares más grandes tienen más rugas rectas y menor cantidad de rugas onduladas. Existe una correlación débil entre el área palatina y la clase I de maloclusión de Angle. También proponemos que el área palatina tiene una asociación de desarrollo con el número y la forma de rugas palatinas.

Research on correction method of palatal rugae morphology in forensic digital identification system / Investigación sobre el método de corrección de la morfología de las rugas palatinas en sistema digital de identificación forense

SUMMARY: Palatal rugae is an irregular soft tissue, which is located in the front third of the hard palate, and is asymmetrically distributed from the middle suture to the sides. The difference, stability and extensive characteristics of palatal rugae morphology have gradually make it a characteristic indicator of forensic identification. However, a mature digital palatal rugae identification system has not yet been established at present. Feature extraction is the premise of palatal rugae image recognition. In order to obtain palatal rugae feature information in all directions and improve the reliability of forensic identification, it is necessary to collect palatal rugae images from a plurality of different angles. When the collected images are sent to the recognition system, the diversity of angles will often cause problems such as error recognition. If the tilted images are not rotated properly, it will make the forensic identification face many difficulties. To solve the problem of image skew caused by the diversity of acquisition angle, an algorithm based on orientation vector to correct the tilted palatal rugae images was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the criteria for standard palatal rugae image and the selection rules for feature points were set; Secondly, characterizing feature points according to the rules, and fitting two lines and find their direction vector; Finally, to obtain the corrected images, the tilted images were rotated by the angle determined by the two direction vectors. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can correct the tilted palatal rugae images collected from different angles and has strong robustness.

RESUMEN: Las rugas palatinas son tejidos blandos irregulares, que se ubican en el tercio frontal del paladar duro y se distribuyen asimétricamente desde la sutura mediana hacia los lados. La diferencia, la estabilidad y las características extensivas de la morfología de las rugas palatinas la han convertido gradualmente en un indicador característico de la identificación forense. Sin embargo, un sistema de identificación de rugas palatinas digitales maduras todavía no se ha establecido en la actualidad. La extracción de características es la premisa del reconocimiento de imágenes de las rugas palatinas. Para obtener información sobre las características de las rugas palatinas en todas las direcciones, y mejorar la confiabilidad de la identificación forense, es necesario recopilar imágenes de las rugas palatinas desde una pluralidad de ángulos diferentes. Cuando las imágenes recogidas se envían al sistema de reconocimiento, la diversidad de ángulos a menudo causará problemas como el reconocimiento de errores. Si las imágenes inclinadas no se giran correctamente, la identificación forense se enfrentará a muchas dificultades. Para resolver el problema del sesgo de la imagen causado por la diversidad del ángulo de adquisición, en este documento se propuso un algoritmo basado en el vector de orientación para corregir las imágenes de las arrugas palatinas inclinadas. En primer lugar, se establecieron los criterios para la imagen de las rugas palatinas estándar, y las reglas de selección para los puntos de características. En segundo lugar, se determinaron puntos de características según las reglas, y se ajustaron dos líneas y encontrar la dirección del vector. Finalmente, para obtener las imágenes corregidas, las imágenes inclinadas se giraron según el ángulo determinado por la dirección de dos vectores. Los resultados de la simulación muestran que el algoritmo propuesto puede corregir las imágenes de rugas palatinas inclinadas recopiladas desde diferentes ángulos y tiene una gran robustez.

Palatal rugae characteristics and its relationship with Angle class 1, 2 & 3 malocclusions / Características de rugas palatinas y su relación con ángulos de maloclusiónes clase 1, 2 & 3

SUMMARY: The objectives of the study were to, 1. Compare the accuracy of four methods of acquisition of palatal rugae (PR) characteristics (PRC). 2. Study the predominant PRC in Angles Class 1, 2, and 3 malocclusions. 3. To statistically correlate the predominant PRC with Class 1, 2 & 3 malocclusions and thus explore the possibility of utilizing it in predicting malocclusions. Study casts and intraoral 3D scan images (3Shape® Intra-Oral Scanner) of the palate of 104 healthy orthodontic patients were included as Group I and Group II respectively. The casts of Group I were scanned using 3Shape® (Group III) and Sirona inEos X5® (Group IV) cast scanners. PRC for all groups were recorded and PRC of Group I was compared with PRC of Groups II, III and IV for possible matching. 3D images of Group IV were further divided according to Angles classification and predominant PRC analyzed. 97.8 % of PRC match was observed in Group I and Group IV. Wavy and complex rugae were predominant in Class 1 and 3 malocclusions and showed statistically significant difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 malocclusions (p=0.00 and 0.014 respectively) with wavy being higher in Class 1 and complex being higher in Class 3 (LSD Post Hoc analysis). Direct intraoral 3D scanning and 3D scanning of the palatal area of casts are equally reliable methods for PR acquisition for examining PRC. All PRC considered together have a minimal impact on prediction of malocclusions, however, influence of wavy characteristic was maximum.

RESUMEN: Los objetivos del estudio fueron los siguientes: 1. Comparar la precisión de cuatro métodos de adquisición de las características de la rugosidad palatina (CRP). 2. Estudiar las CRP predominantes en maloclusiones clases 1, 2 y 3. 3. Correlacionar estadísticamente las CRP predominantes con maloclusiones clase 1, 2 y 3 e investigar la posibilidad de utilizarlas en la predicción de maloclusiones. Se incluyeron en el Grupo I y en el Grupo II, los moldes de estudio y las imágenes de barrido 3D intraoral (3Shape® Intra-Oral Scanner) del paladar de 104 pacientes ortodónticos sanos. Los escaneos del Grupo I se escanearon utilizando escáner fundidos 3Shape® (Grupo III) y Sirona inEos X5® (Grupo IV). CRP para todos los grupos se registraron y CRP del Grupo I se comparó con las CRP de los Grupos II, III y IV para una posible coincidencia. Las imágenes 3D del Grupo IV se dividieron de acuerdo con la clasificación de ángulos y las CRP predominantes analizadas. Se observó un 97,8 % de concordancia en CRP en los grupos I y IV. Las rugas onduladas y complejas predominaron en las maloclusiones de Clases 1 y 3 y mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las maloclusiones de Clases 1, 2 y 3 (p = 0,00 y 0,014 respectivamente), siendo el ondulado más alto en la Clase 1 y el complejo en la Clase 3 (LSD Post Hoc). El escaneo 3D intraoral directo y el escaneado 3D del área palatal son métodos igualmente confiables para la adquisición de CRP para el examen de las CRP. Todas las CRP consideradas en conjunto tienen algún grado de impacto en la predicción de las maloclusiones, sin embargo, fue mayor la influencia de la característica ondulada.

Model analysis of anatomical morphology changes of palatal rugae before and after orthodontic treatment / Análisis de modelo de cambios de la morfología anatómica de rugas palatinas antes y después del tratamiento ortodóntico

SUMMARY: Model analysis was performed to identify palatal rugae anatomical morphology patterns, evaluate their individual-specific properties and stability before and after orthodontic treatments, and investigate their reliability in the use for individual identification from the perspective of forensic dentistry. Maxillary models of 70 patients were collected before and after orthodontic treatments, palatine images were taken under standard conditions. Pattern-based individual identification was performed through measuring some indices including changes in number, orientation, shape, and length of palatal rugae, as well as mesial and distal endpoint displacement of palatal rugae in the anteroposterior (AP) and mesiodistal (MD) direction. At the same time, maxillary models of 10 patients were randomly selected for individuality confirmation and the average rate of correct matches was calculated. palatal rugae anatomical morphology patterns were highly individual-specific. Palatine of the same pattern were not found before or after orthodontic treatment. Model-based analysis confirmed the high individual-specificity properties of the palatal rugae anatomical morphology patterns, and also showed that the incidence of any morphological change in the patterns after orthodontic treatment was 45.7 % for anteroposterior displacement of the distal endpoint of palatal rugae, 40 % for mesiodistal displacement of the distal endpoint of palatine, 32.9 % for anteroposterior displacement of the mesial endpoint of palatal rugae, and 17.1 % for mesiodistal displacement of the mesial endpoint of palatal rugae. The incidence of change in length, orientation and shape of palatine after orthodontic treatment was 28.6 %, 1.4 % and 1.4 % respectively; and the incidence of palatal segmentation and unification after orthodontic treatment was 4.3 % and 2.9 % respectively. The mean percentage of correct matches of the palatine patterns after orthodontic treatment to their duplicates was 99.05 % and the mean percentage of correct matches of the palatine patterns between before and after orthodontic treatment was 92.19 %. Palatal rugae anatomical morphology patterns are unique to each individual. After orthodontic treatment, palatal rugae have diverse presentation patterns. Although the diverse palatine patterns to a certain degree, influence individual identification in the field of forensic identification, palatal rugae patterns can be used as a novel method for individual identification in forensic dentistry.

RESUMEN: Se realizó un análisis de modelo para identificar los patrones de morfología anatómica de las rugosidades palatinas, evaluar sus propiedades individuales y estabilidad antes y después de los tratamientos ortodónticos e investigar su fiabilidad en el uso para la identificación individual desde la perspectiva de la odontología forense. Se recogieron modelos maxilares de 70 pacientes, antes y después de tratamientos ortodónticos, y se tomaron imágenes palatinas bajo condiciones estándar. La identificación individual basada en patrones se realizó a través de la medición de algunos índices incluyendo cambios en el número, orientación, forma y longitud de las rugas palatinas, así como el desplazamiento mesial y distal del punto final de las rugas palatinas en dirección antero-posterior (AP) y mesiodistal (MD). Al mismo tiempo, los modelos maxilares de 10 pacientes fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente para la confirmación de la individualidad y se calculó la tasa promedio de coincidencias correctas. Los patrones de morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas eran altamente específicos de cada individuo. Una ruga palatina del mismo patrón no se encontró antes o después del tratamiento ortodóncico. El análisis basado en modelos confirmó las altas propiedades individuales de los patrones de morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y también mostró que la incidencia de cualquier cambio morfológico en los patrones después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue del 45,7 % en el desplazamiento anteroposterior de la porción distal de las rugas palatinas. Los porcentajes para el desplazamiento mesiodistal de la porción distal de la ruga palatina fue del 40 %, el desplazamiento anteroposterior del extremo mesial de las rugas palatinas presentó un porcentaje del 32,9 %, y 17,1 % para el desplazamiento mesiodistal del extremo mesial de las rugas palatinas. La incidencia de cambio de longitud, orientación y forma de la ruga palatina después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue de 28,6 %, 1,4 % y 1,4 %, respectivamente; la incidencia de segmentación y unificación de rugas palatinas después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue de 4,3 % y 2,9 % respectivamente. El porcentaje medio de coincidencias de los patrones de rugas palatinas después del tratamiento ortodóncico con sus duplicados fue del 99,05 % y el porcentaje medio de coincidencias correctas de los patrones de las rugas palatinas antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue del 92,19 %. Los patrones de morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas son únicos para cada individuo. Después de un tratamiento ortodóncico, las rugas palatinas presentan diversos patrones. No obstante, los diversos patrones de rugas palatinas influyen en cierto grado en la identificación individual forense; los patrones de las rugas palatinas pueden ser usados como un nuevo método para la identificación individual en odontología forense.

Analysis of palatal rugae morphology before and after orthodontic treatment by a digital image recognition system / Análisis de la morfología de las rugas palatinas antes y después de tratamiento ortodóncico por un sistema de reconocimiento por imágenes digitales

To analyze the accuracy rate of a digital image recognition system in matching the palatal rugae Morphology after orthodontic treatment, before orthodontic treatment and to provide theoretical evidence for individual identification in the field of forensic dentistry. High-resolution digital images of the palatal rugae were taken under particular conditions from each patient before and after orthodontic treatment. Features of each digital image were extracted using a digital image recognition system and included in the palatal rugae database. Using an MATLAB software system, information matching of the palatal rugae was performed. From the matching results, the accuracy rate of individual identification of orthodontic patients was 100 %, with a Euclidean distance of 0. The accuracy rate in matching palatal rugae patterns before and after orthodontic treatment was 95.67 %. The results were statistically significant with P < 0.05. Palatal rugae pattern is highly individual-specific. After orthodontic treatment, palatal rugae are morphologically diverse, but these changes do not greatly influence the individual identification in the field of forensic dentistry, which provides a new method of and pathway to forensic identification.

El objetivo de este trabajo consistitó en analizar la tasa de exactitud de un sistema de reconocimiento de imágenes digitales en la adaptación de la morfología de la rugosidad palatina después del tratamiento ortodóncico, antes del tratamiento ortodóncico y proporcionar evidencia teórica para la identificación individual en el campo de la odontología forense. Las imágenes digitales de alta resolución de las rugas palatinas fueron tomadas bajo condiciones particulares de cada paciente antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico. Las características de cada imagen digital se extrajeron utilizando un sistema de reconocimiento de imagen digital y se incluyeron en la base de datos de rugas palatinas. Utilizando el software MATLAB, se realizó la comparación de información de las rugas palatinas. A partir de los resultados coincidentes, la tasa de exactitud de la identificación individual de los pacientes ortodóncicos fue del 100 %, con una distancia euclídea de 0. La tasa de precisión en los patrones de rugas palatinas coincidentes antes y después del tratamiento ortodóncico fue del 95,67 %. Los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos con P < 0,05. El patrón palatino de las rugas es altamente individual-específico. Después del tratamiento ortodóncico, las rugas palatinas son morfológicamente diversas, pero estos cambios no influyen mucho en la identificación individual en el campo de la odontología forense, lo que proporciona un nuevo método y vía para la identificación forense.

Model analysis of palatal rugae morphology before and after orthodontic treatment in forensic identification / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the palatal rugae individual-specific properties and stability before and after orthodontic treatments for investigating the reliability of palatal rugae for individual identification of forensic dentistry based on the palatal rugae model ananlysis. Methods Maxillary models of 70 patients were obtained before and after orthodontic treatments respectively. Palatal rugae morphologic changes and individual identification were examined by model analysis including changes in number, orientation, shape, and length of palatal rugae, as well as mesial and distal endpoint displacement in the anterioposterior(AP) and mesiodistal (MD) direction. Furthermore, The examination of palatal rugae average match accuracy(%) was performed between the pre-treatment and post-treatment orthodontics models and post-treatment and duplicated post-treatment orthodontics models. Results ① The palatal rugae morphological changes were found and the incidence of palatal rugae changes were showed in length(28.6%), segmenta-tion(4.3%); unification(2.9%); orientation(1.4%) and shape(1.4%) after orthodontic treatment. Also the displacement of the distal endpoint of palatal rugae was 45.7% for anterioposterior indirection, 40% for mesiodistal indirection after orthodontic treatment, while the anterioposterior displacement of the mesial endpoint of palatal rugae was 32.9% and mesiodistal displacement was 17.1%. ② The identical palatal rugae patterns were not found both the pre-treatment and post-treatment groups. ③ The palatal rugae average match accuracy was 92.19% between pre-treatment and post-treatment groups, however, the rate had increased by 99.05% when matching the palatal rugae patterns of post-treatment groups to their duplicates. Conclusion Palatal rugae patterns have the high specific properties to each indivi-dual. Although there are some changes in morphology of palatal rugae after orthodontic treatment, it still can be used as a novel method for individual identification in forensic dentistry.

Analysis of palatal rugae patterns before and after orthodontic treatment with a digital image recognition system / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To analyze the morphological matching rate with a digital image recognition system in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments,and to provide forensic dentistry evidence for individual identification.Methods High-resolution digital images of the palatal rugae were taken under particular conditions from each patient in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments.Features of each digital image were extracted using a digital image recognition system and collected in the palatal rugae database.Data of the palatal rugae werematched by MATLAB software system.Results From the matching results,the accuracy rate of individual identification of orthodontic patients was 100％.The accuracy rate in matching palatal rugae patterns in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments was 95.67％.The results were statistically significant with P＜0.05.Conclusion Palatal rugae pattern is highly individual-specific.The morphologyofpalatal rugaecould bechangedby theorthodontic treatment,however,these changes may not greatly influence individual identification in forensic dentistry,providing a new potential to individual identification.

Application of palatal rugae morphology in forensic identification / Aplicación de la morfología de las rugas palatinas en la identificación forense

To investigate the feasibility of application of digital images of the palatal rugae in forensic identification. One hundred patients, consisting of 50 males and 50 females, who received treatment between January 2015 and June 2015 at Shanxi Medical University Stomatological Hospital, China, were included in this study. High-resolution digital image of the palatal rugae was taken from each patient using a digital SLR camera and then processed using a digital image recognition system, including noise reduction, contrast enhancement, image segmentation, feature extraction, edge detection and information matching. Using an MATLAB software system, match results and the time taken by each operator for information matching were recorded. The digital image recognition system assisted in information matching of the palatal rugae. Three oral physicians had a 100% correction rate in information matching. Two other operators failed in formation matching in one or two cases. The time taken by oral physicians for information matching was shorter than that taken by the other two operators. Unique palatal rugae morphology has gradually become a novel marker for forensic identification. Digital images of the palatal rugae morphology contribute to rapider and more accurate forensic identification.

El objetivo fue investigar la viabilidad de la aplicación de imágenes digitales de rugas palatinas para la identificación forense. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes, 50 hombres y 50 mujeres, que recibieron tratamiento entre enero de 2015 y junio de 2015 en el Hospital Odontológico de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi, China. Se tomaron imágenes digitales de alta resolución de las rugas palatinas de cada paciente utilizando una cámara réflex digital y luego se procesaron mediante un sistema de reconocimiento de imagen digital, incluyendo reducción de sonido, mejora del contraste, segmentación de imágenes, extracción de características, detección de márgenes y coincidencia de la información. Mediante el programa MATLAB se registraron los resultados y el tiempo de cada operador para obtener información coincidente, además se utilizó el sistema de reconocimiento de imágenes digitales para hacer coincidirlas con la información de las rugas palatinas. Tres odontólogos informaron una tasa de corrección del 100 % al realizar cruces de información. Otros dos operadores fracasaron en uno o dos casos. El tiempo asignado por los odontólogos para la coincidencia de la información fue menor al de los otros operadores. La morfología especializada de las rugas palatinas se ha convertido gradualmente en un nuevo marcador para la identificación forense. Las imágenes digitales de la morfología de las rugas palatinas contribuyen a una rápida y precisa identificación forense.

The establishment of palatal rugae digitalization system on forensic identiifcation( / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To establish a digital system for forensic identiifcation of the palatal rugae and evaluate its application effects. Methods High-resolution digital images of the palatal rugae were harvested under the standard condition and processed including data collection, noise reduction, contrast enhancement, image segmentation, feature extraction, edge detection, and information matching. Apply an MATLAB software system to develop a digital system for forensic identiifcation of the palatal rugae ,and its application effects were evaluated. Results A digital system for forensic identification of the palatal rugae was successfully established. The digital system had an accuracy rate of 100%. Conclusion Establishing a digital system for forensic identiifcation of the palatal rugae provides a novel method for forensic identiifcation.

Palatal rugae for the construction of forensic identification / Rugas palatinas en identificación forense

This study aims to explore the role of palatal rugae pattern in forensic identification by coding of palatal rugae characteristics, and to construct a forensic identification system for oral palatal rugae. One hundred models were included in this study for a systemic coding of palatal rugae pattern based on the shape, quantity, location, and distribution of palatal rugae. Among the involved 100 models, palatal rugae types varied among individuals and palatal rugae pattern was different between men and women, even between two sides in the same individual. Palatal rugae pattern can be used for forensic identification of oral soft tissue and this study proposes a new means for the identification by coding of palatal rugae pattern based on the shape, quantity, location and distribution.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar el patrón de rugas palatinas en la identificación forense mediante la codificación de las características de éstas. Además se elaboró un sistema de identificación forense. Fueron incluidos cien modelos para una codificación sistemática del patrón de rugas palatinas basado en su forma, cantidad, ubicación y distribución. En todos los modelos se identificó una variación entre los individuos y en el patrón entre hombres y mujeres. El patrón de rugas palatinas puede ser utilizado para la identificación forense de tejido blando oral y este estudio propone un método nuevo para codificarlas.

Comparative analysis between dactyloscopy and rugoscopy

Records form the evolutional history show primitive attempts of human individualization by hand printingon cave walls. Later, still under the need of differentiating among other animals, the ancestral used developedprocesses for personal identification. Nowadays, the human individualization continues based on unique morphological characteristics. This study aims to analyze the correlation between the fingerprints and the palatal rugae. A sample of 93 patients, out of 100, aged between 18 and 35 years, was selected. Fingerprintswere collected by impression on paper, and palatal rugae were registered through intra-oral photography.The Vucetich’s method was applied for the fingerprints analysis and the Carrea’s method was utilized for theanalysis on palatal rugae. Frequency of distribution was applied to describe the incidence of fingerprints andpalatal rugae patterns. The Chi-square test was used for correlation analysis between the two variables. Theexternal clip was the most common pattern among fingerprints on the right hand (48,39%), on the oppositeside the internal clip had major incidence (50,54%). The pattern type IV was observed as the most commonamong the palatal rugae (42,55%). The Chi-square test demonstrated significant result only when correlatedright and left hands. No statistical correlation was found involving palatal rugae. It is possible to concludethat genetic intervention is the main factor to explain relevant results on correlations between opposite hands.Considering the absence of previous studies in the literature, this research aims to provide initial support forfurther investigations.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of An Atrophied Mandibular Ridge : A Neutrocentric Approach - A Case Report.

The fabrication of the mandibular complete denture on a severely atrophied ridge is a great challenge for a prosthodontist. The neutral zone technique has been proved to be the only remedial measure to help such patients, with severe resorption, for whom no other options of treatment modalities are feasible. The description of the following case is an illustration of prosthodontic management by using neutral zone technique to acquire the desired results. Treating these patients, under totally unfavorable conditions, is a confrontation to one’s abilities. A skillful approach enables the patient to understand and accept the best that is being offered to him/her.

Evaluation of a digital methodology for human identification using palatal rugoscopy

Palatal rugoscopy, or palatoscopy, is the process by which human identification can be obtained by inspecting the transverse palatal rugae inside the mouth. Aim: This study evaluated a digital method for human identification using palatoscopy, by comparing photographs of the palate against the images of cast models of the maxilla photographed with and without highlighting of the palatal rugae. Methods: Condensation silicone impressions were made from the upper arches of 30 adult subjects of both genders and their palates were then photographed. The first impression was made with heavy silicone, the second impression with light silicone, and then the models were cast in improved type IV dental stone. The casts were photographed, the palatal rugae of each one were highlighted with a pencil, and then the models were photographed again. Using a free image-editing software, the digital photographs were overlapped over the images of the palatal rugae of the models with and without highlighting of the palatal rugae, in order to identify the pairs. Results: The result of overlapping the digital photographs with the images of the models without highlighted palatal rugae resulted in 90% positive identification. For the overlapping of the digital photographs with the images of models with highlighted palatal rugae, there was 100% positive identification. Conclusions: The digital method evaluated in this study was proven effective for human identification.

Study of palatal rugae pattern among the student population in Mangalore.

Human identification is one of the most challenging tasks in Forensic identification. In mass disasters dental records, fingerprints and DNA comparisons are probably the most used techniques. However these techniques cannot be applied always. In some cases, it is necessary to apply different and less known techniques like Rugoscopy. The purpose of this study is to determine any gender difference in palatal rugae pattern. In this study100 subjects were randomly selected comprising 50 males and 50 females of age ranging from 17 to 25 years of student population belonging to Mangalore .The rugae pattern were assessed by applying Thomas & Kotze classification. Association between rugae forms and gender were tested using student unpaired T test. Gender wise, there were no significant differences in the total number of rugae. The incidence of curved ,straight and forwardly directed rugae were more among females than males, while that of wavy ,perpendicular and backwardly directed rugae were more among males. This study clearly demonstrates the gender difference and uniqueness of rugae pattern in different individuals. Thus it is a reliable source of identification.

Análisis de rugas palatinas en jóvenes pertenecientes a dos grupos étnicos colombianos / Analysis of palatal rugae in young persons to two colombian ethnic groups

Objetivos: En este estudio se analizó la frecuencia de las rugas palatinas en jóvenes pertenecientes a dos grupos étnicos colombianos. Además se determinó la variabilidad, el dimorfismo sexual y la simetría bilateral de las rugas palatinas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal cuantitativo para analizar las rugas palatinas a través del método de Trobo en 208 modelos de yeso escogidos por conveniencia, 112 modelos de yeso de mestizos caucasoides de Cali (46 mujeres y 66 hombres) con edades entre los diez y dieciocho años; y 96 modelos de yeso de indígenas del Amazonas de Leticia (53 mujeres y 43 hombres) con edades entre los cinco y doce años. Resultados: Las rugas palatinas recta, ondulada y curva son las de mayor frecuencia en ambos sexos y en ambos grupos étnicos. Las formas angular y circular son las de menor frecuencia. No se evidencia dimorfismo sexual ni simetría bilateral en las muestras observadas. Así mismo no se evidencian diferencias entre la distribución de las rugas palatinas principales y derivadas de acuerdo al grupo étnico. Conclusiones: De acuerdo a la frecuencia, forma y disposición las rugas palatinas principales y derivadas no evidencian dimorfismo sexual y simetría bilateral. Las rugas palatinas recta, sinuosa y curva son las formas de mayor frecuencia tanto para las rugas principales como para las derivadas. No se observó ninguna fórmula palatóscopica igual, lo cual le confiere a las rugas palatinas el carácter de “únicas” e “irrepetibles”, condiciones que le permiten ser empleadas en los procesos de identificación forense.

Aim: This study analyzes the frequency of palatal rugae on young scholars of two Colombian populations. Besides determines the variability, the sexual dimorphism and the bilateral symmetry of the palatal rugae. Materials y methods: A descriptive study analyzes palatal rugae through Trobo’s method in 208 dental casts chosen by convenience, 112 of Cali racially mixed population (46 females and 66 males) with ages between the 10 and 18 years old; and 96 of Colombian Amazons natives (53 females and 43 males) with ages between the 5 and 12 years old. Results: The line, wavy and curve palatal rugae features showed high frequency in both sexes and in ethnic groups. The forms angle and circle showed low frequency. Sexual dimorph and bilateral symmetry were not evidenced. Differences between the distribution of the primary and derivatives palatal rugae according to the ethnic group were also not evident. Conclusions: According to the frequency, shape and disposition of primary and derived palatal rugae, they do not evidence sexual dimorphism and bilateral symmetry. Line, sinuous and curve were the most frequent shapes, for primary and derived rugae. There were no identical rugograms between subjects, which conferes to the rugae the characteristic of unique, then rugae can be useful in forensic identification.