Correlation of Sagittal Skeletal malocclusion and Growth patterns between Digital and Conventional Dermatoglyphics

Background: The craniofacial morphology and its growth pattern are determined by the influence of various environmental factors depending on the genetic background. Due to the close association of MSX 1 and SMARCAD gene on the same chromosome, it can be hypothesized that malocclusion and fingerprint pattern are related. Furthermore, it is observed that the orofacial structures originate from the same embryonic tissue as the epidermal ridges, which are the ectoderm. Thus, the simultaneous development of the epidermal ridges and the orofacial structure during this time is deciphered and reflected in the fingerprint patterns.

Aim: This study aimed to analyse, compare, and correlate the fingerprint patterns of individuals with different skeletal malocclusions and growth patterns using manual and digital methods.

Materials and Methods: Patients (a random sample of 544) who were undergoing orthodontic treatment and were able to give informed consent were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained prior to the start of the procedure, with due regard to ethical issues and the confidentiality of fingerprint records. The anteroposterior jaw relation was determined from the patient's lateral cephalogram with evaluation of the parameters: SNA, ANB, SNB and growth patterns are determined using the mandibular plane angle according to Steiners analysis, the nature of the growth patterns, i.e., horizontal (HGP), Average (AGP) and vertical (VGP) growth pattern.

Results: Individuals with loop patterns had a frequency of skeletal class I malocclusion, Whorl patterns with skeletal class II malocclusion, and Arch patterns with skeletal class III malocclusion. Consistent with the growth patterns, the whorl pattern was seen more prominently in the horizontal growth pattern, Arch pattern in the average growth pattern, and the loop pattern in the vertical growth pattern.

Conclusion: Thus, the dermatoglyphics can be used as a screening tool for early prediction of skeletal malocclusion in a younger age group.