Is there a relationship between transverse maxillary deficiency and sella turcica: A cephalometric analysis study?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions and morphological variations of sella turcica and to test whether a relationship exists between sella turcica and transverse maxillary deficiency. Materials and Methods: The cephalometric radiographs of patients older than 17.99 years, which have been taken before the orthodontic treatment, and patient records were analyzed to investigate sella turcica dimensional and morphological analysis. Linear measurements of sella are as follows sella length, sella width, sellar area, sella height anterior, posterior, and median. The sella turcica morphological shape analysis was performed into six groups (normal sella turcica, oblique anterior wall, sella turcica bridge, double contour of floor, irregularities of the posterior part of the dorsum sella, and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella). The width of the maxillary arch is measured by the digital caliper. Male participants with a maxillary width of less than 30.8 mm and a maxillary width of less than 31.1 mm in female patients in the first molar region were determined as a transverse maxillary deficiency. The mean dimensions of sella turcica and the relationship between cases with transverse maxillary deficiency and non-skeletal anomaly were compared using independent samples t-tests. The transverse maxillary deficiency and the sellar morphology relationship were compared using Chi-square test. Post hoc multiple comparisons and analyzes were performed at 95% confidence interval by Bonferroni correction. Results: The sella length measurements yielded higher values among the patients with transverse maxillary deficiency (P < 0.05). The normal sella morphology had quantitative superiority in patients without skeletal anomaly in comparison with transverse maxillary deficiency cases (P < 0.05). It was observed that the sella turcica bridge had a statistically superiority in patients with transverse maxillary deficiency (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The increased sellar measurement and sella turcica bridging, may provide knowledge about possible transverse maxillary deficiency.