Comparative Evaluation of Sella Turcica Morphology and Dimensions in Skeletal Class III Malocclusion and Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Versus Class I Individuals.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the morphology and dimensions of the sella turcica in skeletal Class III malocclusion and cleft lip and palate (CLP) with Class I.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and involved 540 cases (Class I, Class III malocclusion, and CLP) using a non-probability consecutive sampling method. The study included patients aged 12-50 years with Class I or Class III malocclusion or cleft palate while excluding those with previous orthodontic treatment or craniofacial syndromes. Data were collected from digital lateral cephalograms and patient records. The dimensions and morphology of the sella turcica were recorded. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, Dunn's test, chi-square exact test, and linear regression were applied to analyze the relationship between sella turcica dimensions and malocclusion types.

RESULTS

Sella turcica morphology differed significantly (p < 0.001), with normal morphology most common in Class I (58.33%) and Class III (40.00%), while oblique anterior wall predominated in CLP (30.00%). Sella turcica dimensions also varied significantly (p < 0.001), with Class I showing the largest median length (9.0 mm), depth (9.0 mm), and diameter (11.0 mm), followed by Class III, and the smallest values in CLP. Post hoc tests confirmed that Classes I and III had significantly greater dimensions than CLP (p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that CLP had significantly smaller length (-1.48 mm), depth (-1.23 mm), and diameter (-1.75 mm) (p < 0.001), while Class III showed reduced length and diameter. Males had slightly greater length and diameter, whereas age showed no significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Class III and CLP had smaller sella turcica dimensions and more irregular shapes than Class I, suggesting that monitoring their size and shape could help identify developmental issues early for better diagnosis and treatment planning.