Torus Palatinus as a Criterion for Sex Determination - a Study in 60 Adult Human Skulls

Torus palatinus is a bony protuberance which occurs in the midline of the hard palate. The prevalence of torus palatinus in dental patients and skulls of different races has been studied by many researchers because of its clinical significance. In addition, the correlation of torus palatinus with various factors like age, sex, torus mandibularis has also been studied. Most of the previous researchers have found sex differences in its prevalence. Few studies have been conducted with regard to torus palatinus in Indian population. Thus, in the present study, 60 adult human skulls of North Indian individuals have been studied to assess the reliability of the palatine torus development in sex determination. The palatine torus development has been graded on the basis of visual inspection. The data has been statistically analyzed by Logistic and Probit regression models. Subsequent to analysis, it has been found that the palatine torus development correctly classified 48.3% of the sample. The correlation between the palatine torus development and maxillo-alveolar index has also been studied. The factors which affect the palatine torus development and ultimately the reliability of palatine torus development in sex determination have also been highlighted in the present study.