Fracture of the sella turcica

Fracture involving the sella turcica is a rare complication of head trauma, but extremely important due to its strategic location adjacent to vital vascular and nervous structures. Of 14 cases reviewed, nine had at least one cranial nerve paralysis, with endocrine abnormalities and cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea seen to a lesser degree. The radiographic findings of sphenoid sinus fluid (13 of 14 cases), pneumocephalus, and unusual vascular occlusions are discussed.