Sella turcica dimensions and bridging in relation to vertical growth patterns: a CBCT study

BACKGROUND: Controversy remains regarding whether sella turcica (ST) dimensions and bridging differ across vertical growth patterns. This study aimed to evaluate ST morphology and the prevalence of sella turcica bridging (STB) among different vertical growth patterns and between sexes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 225 Taiwanese adults (117 males, 108 females) were included and classified into high-, average-, and low-angle groups based on the SN-MP angle. ST dimensions and STB were assessed using CBCT. Sex- and growth pattern-based differences were analyzed using independent t-tests and general linear models. Correlations among ST measurements were evaluated using Pearson coefficients. Reliability was assessed using kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of STB was 6.2%. No significant differences in ST dimensions were observed among vertical growth patterns. Males showed significantly larger posterior clinoid distance, anterior clinoid distance, and ST diameter, whereas females exhibited greater sella depth and sagittal diameter. However, the magnitude of these differences was within or slightly above the minimum detectable change (MDC95). CONCLUSIONS: ST dimensions do not significantly differ across vertical growth patterns in Taiwanese adults. Although sexual dimorphism exists, the observed differences are unlikely to be clinically meaningful. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (IRB No. KMUHIRB-E(II)-20210140).