Evaluation of the Sella Turcica in a Nigerian Population

Background The sella turcica (ST) is important in forensic identification and in the assessment of craniofacial morphology and pathologies within the sella region. Aims The study sought to elucidate the normal dimensions and variant shapes of the ST in a selected Nigerian population. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study investigated the dimensions and shapes of the ST on cranial computed tomography scans of 336 patients. Inferential statistics were performed for age and sex comparisons and considered significant at <.05. Results The round (199, 59.2%) and normal sella turcica shapes (209, 62.2%) and the concave-shaped floor (239, 71.1%) were predominant. The depth, length, sella height median and the configuration of the ST floor were sexually dimorphic ( P < .05). The dimensions had a positive correlation with each other ( P < .05). Conclusion The study provides normal measurements of the ST and the prevalence of its variant shapes, which are important to orthodontists, radiologists and neurosurgeons in aiding the diagnosis and follow-up of pituitary and dentofacial pathologies.