A Study of Lip Prints among North Maharashtrian Population

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: Cheiloscopy is a technique of forensic odontology or forensic science which deals with examination of lip traces and furrows. This work aimed to study in detail the lip prints of individuals (males and females) in North Maharashtra (Dhule), to determine the most common pattern and to evaluate the differences in lip prints between males and females. Subjects and Methods: Lip prints of 496 individuals (326 males and 170 females) were obtained. The lip prints were analyzed using Adobe® Photoshop® software and classified according to the classification given by El Domiaty et al. The Z-test (SPSS software version 10.0) was used to test the significant difference between males and females for different types of lip patterns. Results: Our study was able to establish the uniqueness of lip prints. C pattern was found to be most predominant, which is different from studies done in other areas. This shows that geographic variation does exist in lip prints with respect to the most common pattern. On evaluation of patterns among males and females, it was found that there were differences in upper lip patterns among males (type-H) and females (type-C), whereas they were same in lower lip. Therefore, upper lip patterns can be considered more definitive in sex prediction. Furthermore, the lateral segments showed more sexual dimorphism than the medial segments. Conclusions: This study established the uniqueness of lip prints. According to this finding, we would suggest the creation of database of a given area or neighborhood, which would act as a guideline or comparative reference in cases which require forensic assistance.