Morphological variations of sella turcica bridging and their association with Y-axis angle

Abstract

Purpose: The sella turcica, located on the sphenoid bone, serves as a key landmark in cephalometric radiography, with variations like sella turcica bridging linked to craniofacial and systemic conditions. The Y-axis angle plays a vital role in vertical mandibular growth. This study investigates the relationship between sella turcica bridging and the Y-axis angle, focus ing on gender differences. Materials and methods: A total of 242 lateral cephalometric radiographs from 92 male and 150 female patients aged 18-45 years were analysed. Patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery with no prior craniofacial anomalies, trauma or surgeries. Radiographs were taken in natural head posture, with the Frankfurt Horizontal plane. Sella turcica bridging was classified based on Leonardi et al. and the Y-axis angle measured using WebCeph Dental Imaging Software. Chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests examined relationships between bridging types, Y-axis angles and gender. Results: no significant differences in sella turcica bridging types between genders (p = 0.270). However, a significant difference in Y-axis angles was observed (p = 0.018), with females showing greater variability. Higher Y-axis angles were linked to more Type 2 sella turcica bridging (p = 0.003) in females. No significant differences were found among males based on Y-axis angles (p = 0.584). Conclusion: This study shows a significant correlation between Y-axis angle and sella turcica bridging, particularly in females where higher Y-axis angles are linked to more Type 2 bridging. The findings highlight the importance of considering Y-axis angle in cephalometric assess ments, especially in patients with vertical facial growth tendencie.