Assessment of correlation between dermatoglyphics of individuals with different skeletal growth

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics refers to the study of the intricate dermal ridge configuration on the skin covering the palmar and planter surfaces of the hands and feet. Dermal ridges are usually established by the 24th week of intrauterine life, which remains constant throughout the life. The development of dentition and palate occurs during the same period and also genetically determined as dermatoglyphics. Hence, it can be assumed that hereditary and environmental factors leading to malocclusion may also influence normal fingerprint pattern. Thus, it was decided to assess the correlation between dermatoglyphics patterns and growth patterns in individuals with Skeletal Class I and Skeletal Class II malocclusion. Materials and Methods: Ninety individuals aged between 18 and 28 years were divided into Skeletal Class I (Group I n = 45) and Skeletal Class II (Group II n = 45) based on Tweed's and Steiner's analysis. Both the groups were further subdivided according to their growth pattern and named as A, B, and C, respectively, for horizontal, average, and vertical. Fingerprints of both hands were taken by the ink and stamp method. The patterns of Arches, Loops, and Whorls in fingerprints were assessed. The data collected were then statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test. Observations: In Skeletal Class I subjects, there was increased frequency of occurrence of whorl-pattern in thumb, plain-arches in little, index, and ring finger, and ulnar-loops in middle finger, whereas in Skeletal Class II subjects, radial-loops were more in number in ring and index finger, plain-arches in little finger, ulnar-loops in the middle finger, and whorl-pattern in the thumb same as Skeletal Class I. Conclusion: No significant correlation was observed between dermatoglyphics and various growth patterns. However, further studies must be conducted on large sample size to validate the findings.