Sexual and topological variability in palmprint ridge density in a sample of Sudanese population

Abstract

The sole presence of palmprints in approximately one-third of crime cases with leftover hand mark has resulted in increasing interest of their utility to estimate sexing of unknown individuals. Palmprint studies showed ethnic and sex variability. However, paucity exists in the forensic utility of palmprints in estimating sex and in studies among Sudanese. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the topological variability in palmar ridge densities and its applicability to estimate sex among Sudanese Arabs. The data used in the present study were obtained from bilateral palmprints of 168 (94 males and 74 females) Sudanese subjects aged between 18 and 30 years. Palmar ridge densities were counted in four palmar areas and analyzed using a 5 mm × 5 mm square of surface area. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS. Results showed that the females had a significantly greater mean ridge density than the males in all areas bilaterally. Side asymmetry between areas in ridge density was more evident in males The four areas were significantly correlated with one another in both hands and sexes (P < 0.05). Sexual dimorphism of the total ridge count was more expressed on the right palm (Z = 6.541) than on the left palm (Z = 6.477). Three palmar areas showed a fair sexing accuracy: area proximal to the triradius of the fifth finger on the right side (78.8 %) and area proximal to the triradius of the second finger (77.8 %) and the central prominence of the thenar eminence (76.4 %) on the left. This accuracy level indicates that the palmar ridge densities can be used as a supportive tool of sexing in forensic examinations.

Keywords

• Dermatoglyphics
• Palmprint
• Ridge density
• Forensic
• Sexual dimorphism
• Sudanese