Palatal rugae morphology in an adult mediterranean population

Authors

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

Keywords:

Palatal rugae, morphology, Mediterranean

Abstract

Background. The use of the palatal rugae in forensic odontology is based on their unique and individual characteristics. Few studies have assessed the palatal rugae in Mediterranean populations and none in the Lebanese population. 

Objective. Assess the shape and other morphological features of the palatal rugae in a Lebanese adult population, and compare them with reported similar features in other populations.

Material and Methods: Rugae characteristics were assessed on the maxillary dental casts of 217 non-growing subjects (95 males, 122 females, age 25.5 ± 7.6 years) according to guidelines established by Thomas and Kotze (1983) and Lysell (1955). The overall number of rugae and numbers of primary rugae (>5mm in length), secondary rugae (3-5mm) and fragmentary rugae (2-3mm) on either side were recorded. Rugae were classified according to shape, direction and presence of unification. Z-tests were used to compare the proportions between right and left sides and between genders. The mean numbers of rugae in each category were compared with independent samples t-tests between males and females; paired samples t-tests were employed to compare mean numbers of rugae in each category between right and left sides.

Results: The average number of rugae was 7.7 per individual, 3.81 on the right and 3.89 on the left. Curved, wavy and straight rugae were equally common (one third each). The spatial direction of most rugae (49.3%) was backward. Circular, non-specific and convergent rugae were rare (<2% each). Rugae numbers (total, primary, secondary, fragmentary) were symmetrical but shape, direction and the occurrence of convergence were asymmetrical (p < 0.05). None of the examined characteristics showed gender dimorphism.

Conclusions: The palatal rugae in the Lebanese population display shape distinct from other Mediterranean and non-Caucasian populations. Comparative studies in large samples are warranted.

Author Biographies

Maria Elias Saadeh, Lebanese University American Univeristy 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

 

Joseph Ghafari, American University of Beirut Lebanese University University of Pennsylvania

Joseph G. 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.

 

Ramzi Haddad, American University of Beirut

Ramzi V. Haddad, DDS MS

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

 

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

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Published

2017-10-22

How to Cite

Saadeh, M. E., Ghafari, J., Haddad, R., & Ayoub, F. (2017). Palatal rugae morphology in an adult mediterranean population. The Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology - JFOS, 35(1), 21: 32. Retrieved from https://ojs.iofos.eu/index.php/Journal/article/view/921

Issue

Section

Identification