Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Congenital Lame Adults in a Southern Nigerian Population

Abstract

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the dermatoglyphic patterns of the congenital lame subjects in a southern Nigerian population. Study Design: This is designed to identify the congenital lame subjects through their palmar and digital prints. Place and Duration of Study: The subjects were recruited from special schools in Owerri and Borikiri in Southern part of Nigeria. The study was conducted between the month of April to July, 2010. Materials and Method: A total number of 150 congenital lame subjects (comprising 100 males and 50 females) were recruited for this study. The parameters studied include the digital pattern, A-B ridge counts, ATD and DAT angles. Digital and palmar print patterns were obtained by using the ink method. Results: Results of this study showed that ulnar loops were the most predominant in both sexes. This was followed by whorls and arches. There was a significant difference (P=.05) in the A-B ridge counts and ATD angles in both hands in males and females while the DAT angles showed no significant difference (P=.05) in the left hand but significant in the right hand. Conclusion: The results of this study could be useful to anthropologists, clinicians and forensic scientists.