Comparison Of Morphometry Of Sella Turcica To The Skeletal Jaw Classification – An Institutional Study

Abstract

Introduction:

The sella turcica, a saddle-shaped anatomical structure in the skull, houses the pituitary gland, which is crucial for endocrine function. Variations in the sella turcica's dimensions can be indicative of pituitary disorders [1] and other craniofacial anomalies. This study aims to measure the size and describe the morphology of the sella turcica across different age groups, genders, and skeletal classifications.

Materials and Methods:

Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 40 subjects (20 males, 20 females), aged 16 to 35 years, were analyzed. The subjects were grouped into four age brackets (16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35 years) and classified into skeletal classes I, II, and III. Measurements were taken for length, depth, and anteroposterior diameter of the sella turcica.

Results:

The study found that older individuals (mean size: 11.38mm) had significantly larger sella turcica dimensions compared to younger individuals (mean size: 10.43mm). Depth was significantly greater in females (p=0.048), while no significant gender differences were observed in length and anteroposterior diameter. Class II subjects exhibited larger sella turcica sizes compared to Class III subjects. No significant correlations were found between age, gender, and skeletal type with the sella turcica dimensions.

Conclusion:

The sella turcica shows significant size variations with age and gender, with older individuals and females having larger and deeper structures. Class II skeletal patterns were associated with larger sella turcica sizes compared to Class III. Despite these variations, overall shape remained normal in 61% of subjects. These findings enhance the understanding of sella turcica morphology and its clinical relevance.