Comparative analysis of size of sella turcica with different skeletal patterns

Introduction: In the field of Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopeadics, for correct treatment of various malocclusions, diagnosis of facial skeletal type is very crucial. Sometimes results obtained from lateral cephalograms are not sufficient to determine the facial skeletal pattern. Hence, the relationship between size of sella turcica and various skeletal patterns can help in determining the skeletal type and can help in taking precise decision for treatment planning. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the normalcy of the dimensions of sella turcica and compare the relationship of the sella turcica with the different skeletal malocclusion and also to find a relationship between the length of the mandible and the dimensions of the sella turcica. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 pretreatment digital lateral cephalograms were selected according to the criteria and grouped into 3 groups, group 1: Class I (n=20), group 2: Class II (n=20) and group 3: Class III (n=20). Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed on basis of sella turcica i.e. the following linear measurements were recorded: length, depth and diameter of the sella and the length of the mandible. Results: The linear measurements of length and diameter showed statistically significant differences in Class I, Class II, and Class III (p-value=0.0 and 0.02 respectively). However, the depth showed no significant statistical difference in the groups. Conclusion: The importance of the sella turcica is established and the normalcy is set by statistical analysis and the standard values are given for the dimensions of the sella turcica. This can be used for further analysis and reference standards for the Indian population. The length and diameter of the sella were statistically significant with the different groups. Largest values were given in Class III. Length of the mandible and the length of the sella in each group can be correlated.