Evaluation of Sella Turcica and Maxilla Morphometry of Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate on Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensions and the morphology of the sella turcica, as well as maxillary cephalometric landmarks, in patients with and without clefts. Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 55 cleft patients and 55 non-cleft (control) patients were included in the study. The morphology of the sella turcica, including its shape, height, width, and diameter was evaluated. Additionally, maxillary cephalometric measurements, comprising four lengths and two angles, were assessed on the radiographs. The chi-squared test was employed to compare sella turcica shapes between the cleft and non-cleft groups. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to analyze dimensional parameters between groups and genders. Results: Significant relationship was found between groups with cleft and non-cleft for sella shapes (p=0.032). There was no statistical association for sella dimensions according to the cleft presence (p>0.05). All maxillary cephalometric measurements were significantly greater in individuals of the non-cleft group compared to those in the cleft group (ANS-PNS, A-PNS, S-N-ANS , S-N-A, N-A) except R-PNS. Conclusion: Patients with clefts more frequently exhibited a flattened sella shape, whereas those without clefts tended to have a round sella shape. Maxillary cephalometric dimensions were lower in the individuals of cleft group.