Morphological analysis of Libyans palatal rugae

Abstract

Human identification has always been a major challenge for forensic experts, especially when dealing with decomposed and severely mutilated corpses. Palatal rugae (PR) are usually preserved in such conditions and thus can be used as a supplementary, rapid, simple, or alternative technique when other methods cannot be applied. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to analyze Palatal rugae morphology among a group of Libyans, comparing the patterns between males and females and considering the requirements for possible forensic application. Equally distributed, 200 randomly chosen Libyans of both genders were included in the study from different Libyan cities, with an age group of 18-70 years. Additional silicone impressions of the maxilla and stone casts were prepared. The PR. shape parameter was analyzed according to Thomas and Kotze 1983 PR. classification. In general, the curved shape is the most common (30.97%), followed by a straight shape, with the least convergent shape. Males had more curved rugae while females showed more straight rugae. Significantly, the circular PR. was higher in female Rt. side than male Rt. side (P=0.031). PR. Shape analysis is one of the parameters that provides potentially useful supplementary information to establish individual identity, and it is considered an alternative forensic method for individual identification in the absence of other traditional forensic methods.