CBCT-Based Volumetric and Linear Analysis of Sella Turcica and Its Relationship with Jaw Base in Various Skeletal Malocclusions
Sella turcica, Malocclusion, Jaw base dimensions, sella volume, CBCT
AuthorsABSTRACTBackground: The sella turcica is an important cephalometric landmark due to its anatomical and embryological association with craniofacial structures. Variations in its morphology and dimensions may reflect differences in craniofacial growth patterns. Three-dimensional volumetric evidence across skeletal malocclusions remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sella dimensions and jaw base measurements. Methods: This retrospective CBCT study was conducted on 84 individuals, equally distributed among skeletal Class I, II, and III groups. Using Planmeca Romexis software dimensions (length, depth, diameter, and volume) of the sella turcica and the jaw base measurements (maxillary length, mandibular body and ramal length) were evaluated. Results: Pyramidal morphology was the most prevalent across all groups. Sella bridging was more common in Class III subjects. Reduced sella depth seen in Class II individuals. Ramal length demonstrated a significant positive correlation with sella length, diameter, and volume. Conclusion: Sella turcica morphology varies among skeletal malocclusion patterns, and reduced depth may indicate a Class II pattern. The positive association between sella dimensions and ramal length suggests a potential relationship with vertical mandibular growth.
INTRODUCTIONIn orthodontics, sella turcica (ST) serves as a stable and reliable cranial landmark in cephalometric analysis to assess growth and treatment changes. The term sella turcica is derived from the Turkish word for saddle, reflecting its distinctive saddle-shaped morphology. 1 Located on the superior surface of the sphenoid bone, this saddle-shaped depression houses the pituitary gland, the central endocrine regulator of growth and development.2 The anterior limit of the sella turcica is the tuberculum sellae, and its posterior limit is the dorsum sellae. 2 Since the development of both the ST and the nasomaxillary complex is closely linked to neural crest cell migration, deviations in embryogenesis affecting the pituitary gland, cranial base, or midfacial structures may manifest as alterations in the ST morphology.3 Alterations in the size, shape, and contour of ST have been linked to skeletal malocclusions, dental anomalies, craniofacial anomalies, and systemic or syndromic conditions.4,5,6,7 Mogra et al in his cephalometric study concluded that mandibular dimensions had a nearly constant proportional ratio to sella area. The study concluded that mandibular size shows a stronger and more consistent relationship to sella dimensions than maxillary size, suggesting sella turcica measurements in predicting mandibular growth.8 Valizadeh et al. analysed the shape and linear dimensions of ST and reported that Class III individuals exhibited increased sella length along with a higher prevalence of sella turcica bridging.9
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