https://doi.org/10.4081/jbr.2025.13176
Potential and limits of the synergy between cheiloscopy and rugoscopy in forensic odontology
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Published: 16 May 2025
This study aims to assess the possibility of sex discrimination through the combined use of cheiloscopy and palatine rugoscopy. Eighty palate and lip impressions (40 male and 40 female) were analyzed. Palate impressions were acquired both analogically and digitally, while lip impressions were initially analogical and then scanned. Palatine rugae morphology was analyzed, excluding segmental rugae, and lip wrinkles were evaluated in sextants. Palatine rugoscopy did not reveal statistically significant differences between men and women. Cheiloscopy showed no significant differences between the sexes but some within individual sexes. Palatine rugoscopy results did not show sexual dimorphism. Variations in results across studies could be attributed to ethnic or methodological differences. Cheiloscopy failed to produce statistically significant differences between sexes but did show differences within the same sex. Given the lack of significant results in palatine rugoscopy and cheiloscopy, as well as inconsistencies in the literature, it appears that sex discrimination through the simultaneous use of these methods is not feasible. Further research is recommended.
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