Use of Cheiloscopy as a Tool for Gender Dimorphism in a Rural Indian Population

Introduction: The uniqueness of human lip prints can be used for gender dimorphism. Cheiloscopy is an investigational technique under forensic science that deals with the study of uniqueness of lip prints. It has already been established that lip prints are unique to each individual; its comparison at the crime site with that of the suspect might be helpful.

Aims and Objectives: The specific aim of this study was to study the lip prints as a tool for gender dimorphism while the specific objective was to evaluate the uniqueness of lip prints.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 60 Dental students within the age group of 18 to 25 years. The pattern of lip prints was recorded by two methods and classified according to Suzuki and Tsushihashi’s classification. Data was analyzed using SPSS package (version 12) and Chi square test was used to analyze and compare the lip print patterns.

Results: It was seen that no two lip prints matched with each other. Type I and I’ pattern was seen only in females; type II pattern showed almost equal distribution between males and females whereas type III, IV was predominant in males. None of the subjects presented with Type V.

Conclusion: It was concluded that cheiloscopy can act as a tool for gender dimorphism and both methods of recording lip prints were equally accurate.