Cephalometric characterization of Sella Turcica in the Israeli orthodontic population

Objectives: 1. To establish cephalometric standards for the Sella-Turcica dimensions and to assess the prevalence of its various morphologies among the Israeli orthodontic population.
2. To explore the relations between size and shape of Sella-Turcica and sex, age and skeletal class.
Methods: The study sample included 155 digital lateral cephalograms of 76 males and 79 females, 11-18 years old.
Patients were classified as skeletal classes I, II or III.
The morphology and the dimensions of the Sella-Turcica were measured and assessed in relation to sex, age and skeletal class, using student T-test, Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test.
Results: Normal shape of Sella-Turcica was found in 2/3 of the cephalograms (62.6%), and in all skeletal classes (I, II and III) alike. The average length of Sella-Turcica was significantly greater in the male group versus the female group (p<0.01). Average values of depth and diameter of the Sella-Turcica were significantly greater in the older group (14-18Y) versus the younger group (1-13Y) (p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively).
Conclusions: In the Israeli orthodontic population examined, males demonstrated larger Sella-Turcica length compared with females. Sella-Turcica depth and diameter were significantly greater in 14-18Y versus the younger population. Normal shape of Sella-Turcica was observed in 2/3 of the cases. The results of this research will help physicians and dentists in recognizing Sella-Turcica pathologies and will serve as a basis for future research.