Sex Estimation using Footprint Ridge Density – A Mini Review

Saumya Seal; Michal Soták; Mária Chovancová; Petra Švábova; Radoslav Beňuš

doi:10.18778/1898-6773.89.1.04

Authors

Saumya Seal Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1880-9194
Michal Soták Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2966-4597
Mária Chovancová Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1114-124X
Petra Švábova Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7497-4359
Radoslav Beňuš Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5917-1689

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1898-6773.89.1.04

Keywords:

Human morphology, Forensic podiatry, Human identification, Footprints, Ridge density analysis, Sexual dimorphism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The epidermal level of human footprint possesses raised ridges and furrows, which form unique patterns. Ridge density quantification, involving counting the ridges within a predefined unit area, emphasizes variability due to differences in epidermal ridge thickness. Analyses of these ridges exhibit sex-based differences, making it important for forensic identification purposes.

STUDY AIM

The present mini review was conducted to showcase a targeted synthesis of seven research articles related to sex estimation using Footprint Ridge Density (FPRD).

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and ResearchGate, using Boolean operators and/or, between 2010 and August 2025.

RESULTS

Higher FPRD were observed in females and statistically significant sexual dimorphism was inferred across plantar and toe regions, particularly at the medial ball and selected toe areas.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides key inferences from the existing literature and points out the potentiality of using FPRD as a reliable parameter in sex estimation studies to improve forensic procedures.

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