Size and Morphology of Sella Turcica in Iraqi Adults

Abstract

To measure the size and describe the morphology of sella turcica on true lateralcephalometric radiographs; and to determine if there is any statistical significantdifference in the size of sella turcica regarding the genders and skeletal classes.The sample included 130 pretreatment digital lateral cephalometric radiographs(67 female and 63 males) with an age range between 17-25 years, collected from theOrthodontic Department in the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. Thesample was divided according to ANB angle into 3 skeletal classes. The size of sellaturcica (length, depth, and diameter) was measured and its morphology wasdetermined. Frequency distribution and percentage described the morphology,independent samples t-test was used to test genders difference, while ANOVA testwas performed to show if there is any statistical significant difference in the size ofsella turcica among the skeletal patterns.Males had slightly higher sella turcica measurements than females with a nonsignificantdifference between genders; on the other hand, class III sample had highersella turcica measurements with a non-significant difference among the skeletalclasses. In addition to the normal morphology, six distinct variations of sella turcicawere identified with the highest percentage to the normal morpholgy.All the linear measurements of the sella turcica were within standard range.Neither gender nor skeletal patterns showed significant differences in sella turcicalinear measurements. Normal morphology of the sella turcica was found in themajority of subjects.