Retrospective analysis of size and morphology of sella turcica in different skeletal patterns in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Local and genetic factors influence size and shape of Sella Turcica (ST) and as such this may impact many parameters including Sella reference point for orthodontic treatment planning. Our aim was set to measure and assess ST morphology and link it with gender and different skeletal patterns. Methods: This retrospective study conducted on the lateral cephalometric radiographs of 175 patients 15 years and above attending Taibah University Dental College and Hospital between 2011 and 2017. The patients’ radiographs meeting inclusion criteria were stratified by gender and divided into three groups (Class I, II, and III) according to the skeletal classification. Length, depth and Anteroposterior (A-P) diameter of ST were measured using a cephalometric software program (Vista Dent) and the shape of ST according to established classifications in the literature. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis (e.g. one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Results: The mean/SD age of the patients was 27.43±7.54. The mean/SD length, depth and A-P diameter of ST for male and females were 10.56±1.68, 7.83±1.62, 11.98±1.90, 7.00±2.58, 6.81±1.64, 10.17± 1.86, respectively. There were significant differences (p 0.05). As for ST morphology 53% of patients had normal Sella shape. While comparing Sella shape with different skeletal classes there were significant differences with circular shape 55% in class I and flat shape 53.3% in class II patients. Conclusions: Gender differences in ST size has been further confirmed in this study sample with the size significantly larger in males. Also, normal shape of ST is more common than other shape variations. This study can be used as a reference guide for future studies about ST size and morphology. Keywords: Sella turcica, Sella size, Sella morphology, Lateral cephalometric.