A Lateral Cephalometric Radiographic Analysis of Size and Shape of Sella Turcica: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objectives: To assess shape and size of Sella turcica on lateral cephalographs, and to find association of age and gender with shape and size of sella turcica.

Methods: Lateral cephalographs of 434 healthy subjects (254 females and 180 males) in the age group of 8-30 years were included in the study. Linear dimensions of sella turcica (length, depth, diameter) were measured and different shapes of sella (Normal, oblique anterior wall, bridging, double contour of floor, irregular dorsum, pyramidal) were analyzed. Student’s t-test to calculate mean differences in linear dimensions with age and gender. Frequency distribution of shape analyzed through chi-square test. Inter and intra observer variability assessed through paired t- test.

Results: Normal shape of sella turcica was most common shape (52.5%). Linear dimensions were increased with age (p>0.05) and except for diameter, length and depth were greater in males compared to females (p>0.05). When intra and inter observer variability was assessed, high significant values obtained with respect to depth (p=0.000).

Conclusion: This study concluded that regardless of age and gender, normal shape of sella turcica (52.5%) was most common shape followed by sella turcica bridging (21.9%). Mean linear dimensions of sella turcica increased with age. Length and depth dimensions were larger in males comparative to females. This study provides baseline data for further research and clinical practice in fields of forensic medicine and epidemiology.