International Journal of Forensic Medicine

Author(s): Dwi Kartika Apriyono, Rachel Murwanenda, Tri Askhabul Khaffi, M Fernando Akbarsyah, Evitabilqis Ronarifqa Musyelda, Hasna Garaniva Futaihana and Fitriani Puspita Sari

Abstract: Rugoscopy is a method used in forensic odontology to identify individuals by examining the pattern of palatine rugae, mucosal folds located on the anterior portion of the hard palate. Each person's palatine rugae pattern is unique, remains stable throughout life, and is resistant to temperature changes, trauma, and decomposition. Therefore, rugoscopy can be used as a forensic identification tool, especially in cases where other methods, such as fingerprinting or DNA analysis, are not feasible. Several classifications of rugae exist: the Carrera Classification, the Martin Dos Santos Classification, the Lysell Classification, the Thomas and Kotze Classification, and the Kapali Classification. The development of palatine rugae is a dynamic process that occurs as the palate grows. A series of cellular activities, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and cell migration, characterize the palatal tissue. Several factors that can influence rugae development include genetics, ethnicity, growth, gender, and orthodontic treatment. Malocclusion and dentoalveolar pattern, environmental conditions, local trauma, and dentures have also been reported to influence rugae development. Rugae patterns are unique to each individual, as no two sides of the palate are identical. However, no significant differences were found between males and females in the number of rugae, the direction of the folds, or the shape of the rugae. These results indicate that the number of rugae does not exhibit sexual dimorphism, and therefore, gender does not influence the variation in the number of palatine rugae. These results confirm that the dominance of rugae patterns cannot be used as an absolute parameter for sex determination. The use of palatine rugae as a sex indicator in forensic odontological identification should be considered a supporting method, not the sole method. Therefore, standardization of examination protocols, increased use of digital technologies such as intraoral scanning and pattern analysis software, and further multipopulation longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the reliability and scientific validity of rugoscopy.

DOI: 10.33545/27074447.2025.v7.i2b.115

Pages: 148-158 | Views: 358 | Downloads: 184

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