Radiological assessment of Sella Turcica morphology correlates with skeletal classes in an Austrian population: an observational study

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to analyze variations in the sella turcica (ST) concerning its size, shape, and bridging, providing first reference values in Austrian individuals. Additionally, it assessed associations between these morphological and demographic parameters and their correlation with patients’ skeletal class. Methods 208 lateral cephalometric radiographs (154 female, 54 male; age 8–58 years) from DPU Dental Clinic (Austria) were included. Size, skeletal class, shape, age, and gender of ST were tested for significance in correlation using, (M)ANOVA, and chi-square. Results Linear dimensions of ST ranged from 11.1 to 12.9 mm across readers, with a standard deviation of 2.0–2.2 mm. Normal ST (49.76%) and round ST (58.77%) were the most frequent. ST bridging was detected in 6.97%. Skeletal class I appeared most frequently (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between age, gender, and ST length, with further significant age effects on ST shape. Moreover, age showed significant modification of ST shape, while skeletal parameters appeared unaffected by other ST parameters. Conclusions These preliminary findings define normal ST dimensions in an Austrian population, offering reference values for clinical interpretation and broadening the available European data. Clear associations between morphological and demographic parameters were detected. Additionally, these findings may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in orthodontics and craniofacial pathology. Future studies employing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) along a larger sample size could enhance the generalizability of these findings.