Dermatoglyphics--a marker for malocclusion?
BACKGROUND
Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configurations on palmar and plantar surfaces of hands and feet. Dermal ridges and craniofacial structures are both formed during 6-7th week of intra-uterine life. It is believed that hereditary and environmental factors leading to malocclusion may also cause peculiarities in fingerprint patterns.


OBJECTIVE
To study and assess the relationship between fingerprints and malocclusion among a group of high school children aged 12-16 years in Dharwad, Karnataka, India.


METHODS
A total of 696 high school children aged 12-16 years were randomly selected. Their fingerprints were recorded using duplicating ink and malocclusion status was clinically assessed using Angle's classification.


RESULTS
Chi-square analysis revealed statistical association between whorl patterns and classes 1 and 2 malocclusion (p < 0.05). However, no overall statistical association was observed between fingerprint patterns and malocclusion (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Dermatoglyphics might be an appropriate marker for malocclusion and further studies are required to elucidate an association between fingerprint patterns and malocclusion.
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Coorg Instituite of Dental Sciences, K. K.Campus, Coorg District, Karnataka, India. shreyas_tik@yahoo.co.in
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Tikare
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Rajesh
K W
KW
Prasad
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Thippeswamy
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Javali
D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D003878:Dermatoglyphics / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification*; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000145:classification; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000145:classification
D015415:Biomarkers