Sex prediction from morphometric palatal rugae measures

Authors

  • Maria Saadeh Lebanese University American University of Beirut
  • Joseph Ghafari American University of Beirut
  • Ramzi Haddad American University of Beirut
  • Fouad Ayoub Lebanese University

Keywords:

Palatal rugae, forensics, gender prediction, symmetry

Abstract

Background. While abundant research has been conducted on palatal rugae (PR), the literature pertaining to the gender dimorphism of the palatal rugae and their use for gender prediction is inconclusive. Moreover, palatal rugae have been classified into categories based on length, shape, direction and unification but accurate rugal morphometric linear and angular measurements have not yet been reported. 

Objectives. The aims of this study were to -1- assess the dimensions and bilateral symmetry of the first three palatal rugae in an adult population and -2- explore gender dimorphism and the ability to predict gender from palatal rugae measurements.

Material and Methods: The maxillary dental casts of 252 non-growing subjects (119 males, 130 females, mean age 25.6 ± 7.7 years) were scanned using a laser system (Perceptron ScanWorks® V5). Angular and linear transverse and anteroposteior measures of the first three palatal rugae were recorded. Independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were used to test for side related differences and gender dimorphism. Multiple logistic regression was employed to model gender using associated palatal rugae measures.

Results: Palatal rugae exhibited lateral asymmetry in the majority of bilateral measures. Males presented with larger values for 9 out of 28 parameters. Four linear rugae measurements and one angular measurement together correctly classified 71.4% of the subjects in their true gender.

Conclusions: Morphometric palatal rugae measurements demonstrated promising usefulness in gender prediction. Recording morphometric linear and angular measures is recommended as an adjunct to the commonly used classification based on the shapes of rugae.

Author Biographies

Maria Saadeh, Lebanese University American University of Beirut

Maria Saadeh DDS MS MPH

Chief of Clinical Services, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

Clinical Associate, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Mobile: 009613565028

Email: maria.saadeh444@gmail.com

Joseph Ghafari, American University of Beirut

Joseph Ghafari, DMD

Professor and Head, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

Adjunct Professor, Department of Orthodontics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Mobile: 009613313252

Email: jg03@aub.edu.lb

Ramzi Haddad, American University of Beirut

Ramzi Haddad, DDS MS

Assistant Professor, Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Mobile: 009613575704

Email: rh52@aub.edu.lb

Fouad Ayoub, Lebanese University

Fouad Ayoub, PhD

President, Lebanese University

Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

Mobile: 009613215290

Email: prof.ayoub@intracom.net.lb

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Published

2017-10-22

How to Cite

Saadeh, M., Ghafari, J., Haddad, R., & Ayoub, F. (2017). Sex prediction from morphometric palatal rugae measures. The Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology - JFOS, 35(1), 9: 20. Retrieved from https://ojs.iofos.eu/index.php/Journal/article/view/920

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