An association between dimensions and bridging of the sella turcica and dental anomalies

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bridging of the sella turcica and the dimensions of the Sella in subjects with dental anomalies (transpositions, hypodontia, and supernumerary teeth) and to compare them to controls. Methodology Lateral cephalograms from 25 patients with dental transposition, 88 with hypodontia, and 26 with supernumerary teeth were evaluated. The shape, length, depth, diameter, and bridging of the Sella turcica were determined from radiographs and compared to those of control group (n=52). For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc test, chi-squared test and T-test (to evaluate the influence of craniofacial growth) were used. Results The frequency of complete calcification of the Sella was greater in the group with supernumerary teeth (23%) and in the group with hypodontia (14.7%), while partial calcification of the Sella was more frequent in the control group (77%) and in the group with supernumerary teeth (73%)(p<0.05). The depth of the Sella was greater in the group with dental transposition. Oval and round Sella shapes were more frequent in all groups, and a flat Sella was rarely seen. In terms of the influence of growth on the dimensions of the Sella, there was no statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatment radiographs. Conclusion Significant relationships were found between dental anomalies and bridging and shape of the Sella. The Sella was also significantly deeper in patients with dental transposition. The bridging and shape of the Sella may be useful in the diagnosis of dental anomalies in early childhood.

Shape and Dimensions of Sella Turcica in Cleft And Non-Cleft Palate Subjects: A Radiographic Study

“…For determination, the morphological variations of Sella turcica in this study, the different morphological appearances of Sella turcica described by Axelsson (4) were used and compared to 80 CBCTs used in this study. Results obtained in this study for cleft and non-cleft groups shown in table (1).…”

“…The bony structure at which the pituitary gland harbored is the Sella turcica. This gland is fundamental because it maintains several functions in the body such as growth, metabolism, production of corticoids, menstruation, ovulation, production of sperms and production of maternal milk, any abnormality in size and/or shape of pituitary gland will be reflected on its surrounding bony structure (1) .…”

“…In non-cleft group the pyramidal shaped Sella turcica was found in 3.5 %, while in cleft group double contour of the floor was seen in 13%. The presence of more than one aberration in the Sella turcica (more than one feature) was found in subjects with bilateral complete cleft palate only 5.5% as shown in table (1).…”

“…The tuberculum Sella is the slight anterior elevation on the body of the sphenoid bone. The pituitary fossa is a saddle-like depression in the middle that holds the pituitary gland, and the dorsum Sella is formed by a square plate of bone on the body of the sphenoid (1) .…”