The Comparative Evaluation of the Morphology and Dimensions of the Sella Turcica in Skeletal Class III Patients and Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate in Post-Pubertal Age Group

Background The clinical features of unilateral cleft patients have great similarity to class III patients, viz., ANB <2° and Wits appraisal <-3 mm. In this study, we determined the frequency of various shapes of the sella in cleft and class III patients. We also measured the dimensions of the sella turcica in the aforementioned groups. Studying the morphology and dimensions of the sella in different groups can help us to understand the role of the cranial base in the development of malocclusion. Material and methods The study is composed of 46 patients, divided into two groups with an age range of 14 to 21 years. The linear dimensions of the sella were measured, and the shape of the sella was determined. Comparison was done between the two groups using Student's t-test. Result When the two groups were compared, length was found to be similar in both groups, but depth and diameter were greater in the class III group. An abnormal shape of the sella was found predominantly in both class III and cleft cases. The normal morphology accounted for only 13.04% of all the cleft patients, whereas 39.13% of the class III cases exhibited a normal shape of the sella. Sella turcica bridging was seen in 30.43% of cleft patients as opposed to 21.73% of class III patients exhibiting the bridging. Conclusion With the finding that 74% of the subjects exhibited abnormal morphology of the sella, confirming that it can be one of the factors for malocclusion must be given more consideration.