Analysis of Difference in Skin Ridge Density among Identical Twins Janardhanan Joshima1,*, Shetty Mahabalesh2, Ashoka B.3 1Asst. Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathichettikulam, Pondicherry 2Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore 3Professor and Head, Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Roshini Nilaya School of Social Work, Mangalore *Corresponding author: Joshima Janardhanan, Asst. Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathichettikulam, Pondicherry-605014, email: joshimajanardhanan20@gmail.com, Contact: 7639461546
Online published on 27 November, 2019. Abstract Identification of an individual plays a vital role in any crime scene investigation. Till date fingerprints are considered to be one of the most reliable methods of identification. This method holds good even in cases of identical twins where they share the same genetic makeup. The objective of this study is to analyse the ridge density among identical twins and to assess its potential as a tool for individual identification. Materials and Method This study was conducted among 30 pairs of identical twins. Roll prints were taken by rolling the fingers from one edge of the nail to the other edge on a fingerprint pad. The impression of the finger prints were made on a duly prepared proforma. A line was drawn from the delta to the core and ridge density was calculated by counting the number of ridges intersecting along the line in an area of 0.5cm x 0.5cm. Results were analysed by paired student's T-test using SPSS software version 18. Results Out of 30 pairs of identical twins studied, 12 pairs were males and 18 pairs were females. In this study the most common pattern noticed in all the pairs were loops (86%) followed by whorls (13%). Arches and accidentals were the least common (3.3%). The mean total ridge count of the first born twins was 12.34 and that of the second born twins was 14.23 (p value= 0.001). The mean ridge density of the first born twins was 10.47 and that of the second born twins was 11.60 (p value= 0.003) Conclusion The data obtained from this study has proven that there is a significant variation in ridge count and density in first born and second born among pair of monozygotic twins and thus these parameters can be used as a reliable source of identification among monozygotic twins. This study has to be conducted on larger scale involving different states of the country so as to obtain a data that can be applicable to the entire population. Top Keywords Identical twins, Identification, Ridge count, Ridge density. Top |