Size and Morphology of Sella Turcica in Iraqi Adults

Abstract

To measure the size and describe the morphology of sella turcica on true lateral
cephalometric radiographs; and to determine if there is any statistical significant
difference 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 the
Orthodontic Department in the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. The
sample was divided according to ANB angle into 3 skeletal classes. The size of sella
turcica (length, depth, and diameter) was measured and its morphology was
determined. Frequency distribution and percentage described the morphology,
independent samples t-test was used to test genders difference, while ANOVA test
was performed to show if there is any statistical significant difference in the size of
sella turcica among the skeletal patterns.
Males had slightly higher sella turcica measurements than females with a nonsignificant
difference between genders; on the other hand, class III sample had higher
sella turcica measurements with a non-significant difference among the skeletal
classes. In addition to the normal morphology, six distinct variations of sella turcica
were 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 turcica
linear measurements. Normal morphology of the sella turcica was found in the
majority of subjects.