Pattern of palatal rugae for forensic identification in Peruvians from the Puno region

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies present rugoscopy as a useful tool in forensic identification, since the pattern of palatal wrinkles does not change during the course of life and is resistant to decomposition, trauma and fire. Objective: To identify the patterns of palatal wrinkles that predominate among patients attending the Viadent Dental Clinic in the Puno region and to assess their usefulness as a reliable method for gender identification and recognition.  Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional research in a sample of 108 study models in plaster cast type III of the upper jaw of individuals treated for orthodontics, on which calcorugoscopy was performed and the shape and number of palatal rugae were described, according to Silva's classification. The results were processed by ANOVA and discriminant analysis. Results: A total of 1509 palatal rugaes were analyzed, with a statistically significant pattern in which 28.8%, 25.8% and 22.3% prevalence of straight, wavy and curved rugaes were observed, respectively, with the same tendency in both sexes. A 97 % accuracy in individual identification was achieved, although gender was not discriminated. Conclusions: The uniqueness and individuality of the pattern of palatal rugaes is confirmed, so that rugoscopy can be considered as a reliable, simple, fast and low-cost alternative or complementary method for human identification in the field of forensic dentistry in Peru.