The Shapes and Normal Dimensions of the Sella Turcica

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the normal dimensions and shape of the sella turcica (ST) in the Turkish population using multidetector computed tomography.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 188 patients who met the study criteria and had paranasal multidetector computed tomography taken between January 2019 and December 2019. The patients included in the study comprised 77 females and 111 males. The whole patient group was separated into 3 age groups of 18 to 25 years (group 1), 25 to 40 years (group 2), and 40 years and over (group 3). They were also separated according to gender.

Results: The mean length of the ST was determined as 8.52 ± 1.42 mm (min-max 4.61-12.73 mm), mean height as 7.00 ± 1.31 mm (min-max 3.00-10.51 mm), mean aperture as 6.50 ± 2.00 mm (min-max 2.24-12.51 mm), and mean width as 11.01 ± 1.50 mm (min-max 7.78-14.94 mm). No statistically significant difference was determined between the length, height, width, and aperture size values of the ST according to gender and age groups.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference in ST dimensions according to gender or age groups. It can be considered that the shape and dimensions of the ST can be more accurately evaluated with computed tomography and classification can be more robustly applied.