The Size And Morphology Of Sella Turcica In Different Skeletal Patterns Among North Indian Population: A Lateral Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Background: Sella Turcica is one landmark that has been commonly employed in orthodontic diagnosis using lateral cephalograms. Expanding studies on this landmark has shown that additional diagnostic information can be utilized for analyzing other certain pathologies and syndromes affecting the craniofacial region. In order to spot any aberrations that may suggest pathological problems even before they become clinically evident, orthodontists and other clinicians must be knowledgeable with the normal radiographic anatomy and morphological variations of this region.

Aims &Objectives:  1.The purpose of the study was to measure the size and describe the morphology of Sella turcica in different skeletal types in a North Indian population.2. To find out the differences between males and females if any.

Materials &Methods:Digital lateral cephalograms of patients who were undergoing treatment or need orthodontic treatment were used as samples. All of the lateral cephalograms were taken by qualified radiographic technicians using the same cephalostat in a standardised manner. Only the lateral cephalograms with clear sight and identification of the dorsum sellae and tuberculum sellae as well as good visibility of the other cephalometric components were included. A total of 240 lateral cephalograms were selected after screening 611 pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs. The sample was categorized into the Skeletal Classes based on ANB angle.To counteract the restraints posed by ANB angle, Wit’s Appraisal was used. The sella turcica of each lateral cephalogram was traced and their respective sizes and shapes were evaluated.

Results:The linear dimensions - the average length, depth, antero-posterior diameter when compared between males and females, a statistically significant difference was found in length (p< 0.05) and antero-posterior diameter (p< 0.001) whereas depth was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:Following conclusions were drawn from the present study: 1. There was no significant difference in the linear dimensions (Length, Depth and Anter-posterior diameter) of sella turcica among the 3 skeletal patterns. 2. There was a significant difference in length and diameter (APD) of sella turcica between males and females; males being larger. 3. Among males and females, there was not a significant difference in the depth of the sella turcica. 4. The majority of the sample participants, regardless of skeletal types or gender, had the normal sella turcica morphology, which made up 60.8% of the study's overall population.