Plica Palatine: A multicentric morphometric odonatological analysis for gender and age groups in Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To analyze age groups and gender-related rugoscopic morphometric analysis in our population and compare it with other nations. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: FJDC, DIDC and AIDM. Period: March 2024 to Aug 2024. Methods: With ERB approval (letter no: MAR-2024-SUR01 from FJDC scientific and ethical review board, dated 17th March 2024) and sample size calculated with WHO sample size estimation calculator, 456 participants with defined criteria were enrolled with convenience sampling. After written informed consent, jaw imprints of the subjects were engaged using Alginate and cast to measure the length and analyze the shape with Thomas classification and pattern of palatine rugae as documented by Kapali. Data was collected on a predesigned form and was further analyzed by SPSS 24 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The most common pattern of rugae observed in our study was wavy. Significantly longer primary rugae were seen on the right side in the 41–60-year age group (p=0.02). Fragmentary rugae were significantly longer in females on the both, right (p=0.002) and on the left side (p=0.001) of the palate. When the mean results were compared to the other nations, our population has significantly longer rugae compared to statistics from Saudia, Iran, Lebanon and Sudan in contrast, similar rugae lengths were observed in the Indian Population. Conclusion: The palatine rugae are longer with mostly wavy patterns in our population. Furthermore, the 41–60-year-old age group has the longest primary rugae and the female gender has longer fragmentary rugae.