The size and morphology of sella turcica: A lateral cephalometric study

Background: Sella turcica is a saddle-shaped concavity in the body of sphenoid bone situated in the middle cranial fossa of skull, clearly seen on lateral cephalometric radiograph. Aim: The purpose of the study was to measure the size and describe the morphology of sella turcica in different age groups and gender. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 200 subjects of which 100 males and 100 females in the age group of 8-30 years were included in the study population. Linear dimensions which include the length, depth, and anteroposterior diameter were measured and the shape of sella turcica was analyzed and skeletal class of malocclusion was noted. Chi-square test and ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. Results: In the present study, morphology of sella turcica appeared to be normal shape (upper contour of anterior wall of sella turcica appears to be perpendicular to floor) in 46.5% of the study population and morphological variations in shape were seen in 53.5% of study population. Whereas size was considered there was statistically significant increase in the depth and anteroposterior diameter of sella turcica as age advanced. There was no significant difference in the linear measurements of sella turcica between males and females. Conclusion: The most common shape of sella turcica in the study population was normal shape. There is a gradual increase in the size of sella turcica as age advances.