Novel Classification Model of Normal Palmar Creases

Anatomically the term “creases” are epidermal flexure lines present on palmar or plantar surfaces and its importance has been widely published. However, despite elaborate literatures on the clinical and anthropological implications of palmar creases there is still dearth of studies providing simplified and holistic classification for normal palmar creases. Thus this study is therefore aimed at providing a concise, simplify and holistic classification model of palmar creases using Nigerian subjects. In this cross-sectional and observational study, 360 subjects were randomly sampled from Rivers and Delta States of Nigeria without consideration to ethnicity. Using Oghenemavwe and Osaat (2015) dermatoglyphic capture method, palm print was obtained and palmar creases were subsequently observed, identified and classified. Descriptive statistics was then used to determine proportionality difference in the percentage distribution of the variant types of palmar creases. Normal palmar creases were classified by adopting a One system classification model and a Three system classification model. In the one system classification there was high prevalence of Type 2 (55.14%), followed by Type 3 (44.30%) and the least observed was Type 1 (0.56%). Similarly, Type M (58.61%) was predominant over Type V (41.39%), and Type Y (78.19%) over Type X (21.81%). The distribution of Three system classification model follows: Type 2MY = 36.25%; Type 3MY = 18.61%; Type 3VY = 13.16%; Type 3VX = 10.97%; Type 2VY = 9.58%; Type 2VX = 6.25%; Type 2MX = 3.06%; Type 1VY = 0.28%; Type 1VX = 0.14%; Type 1MY = 0.28%. Variations exist in the distribution of palmar creases and may be classified using either a One system classification model or a Three system classification model.

Key Words: Palmar creases, Classification, Model