ABSTRACT
Objectives: to determine gender differences in palatine rugae patterns using the Thomas CF and Kotze TFW classification system for t gender identification in forensic investigations. Methods: An observational analytic study was conducted on 124 subjects (62 men and 62 women). Upper jaw impressions were taken, and palatine rugae patterns were traced with a mechanical pencil to identify their shapes. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test. Results: Significant gender-based differences in rugae patterns were found in left side areas B, C, and E, and right side areas B, C, and D (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in left side area D and right side area E (p > 0.05). No patterns were found in area A on either side. Conclusion: This study proves that palatine rugae can be a useful tool for distinguish between men and women.
