Cheiloscopy in population affinity estimation: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Lip print analysis has been proposed as a new human identification technique that allows the estimation of various individual parameters, such as population affinity. However, more consensus among the scientific community regarding this topic is needed. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to gather evidence that might clarify whether cheiloscopy can be used in population affinity estimation. The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic survey was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, restricted to articles published between 2010 and 2022. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria, and the study data were collected. The risk of bias in each study was assessed and applied as additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. A descriptive approach synthesized the results of the articles eligible for analysis. Out of seven included studies, six demonstrated differences in lip patterns between different population groups, and one obtained inconclusive results. Several methodological flaws in the studies and variations in the collection and analysis methodology applied, which may have conditioned the results obtained, were identified. The data gathered allowed us to conclude that no solid scientific evidence supports the use of cheiloscopy in population affinity estimation.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic science
• criminal investigation
• human identification
• cheiloscopy
• lip prints
• population affinity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).