AUTHOR(S): Dr. Inderpreet Singh Oberoi, Dr. Altaf Hussain Chalkoo and Dr Kuku Dhingra

ABSTRACT: Background: Palatal rugae analysis may serve as an important aid in forensic odontology as they remain consistent in shape, pattern, direction & unification throughout the life of an individual except change in their size with growth of the palate.Materials & methods:Total of 120 subjects, 60 males and 60 females in the age group of 17 – 25 years of student population belonging to Jammu and Kashmir were chosen randomly and included in the present study. This study was conducted after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance and informed written consent from the subjects. The materials used were: Alginate powder, perforated metal maxillary impression tray, Mixing bowl, Spatula, Dental Stone and Water. The rugae seen as elevated impressions were marked on these casts using a black permanent marker pen. The rugae pattern was classified based on their length, shape, direction and unification. The recorded data was compiled and entered in a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) and then exported to data editor of SPSS Version. Results: Mean palatal primary rugae was more in males (7.52±2.67) than females (6.43±1.91) and was statistically significant (P-value=0.011), whereas mean palatal secondary and tertiary rugae were more in females than males but the results were not statistically significant (P-value>0.05). Based on shape of palatal rugae both genders showed wavy type (males=4.62±2.56 and females=4.52±2.18) followed by straight, curved and circular type of distribution. Conclusion: Straight and wavy variety are the most commonly seen rugae pattern in both males and females.

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